Wonder Boy – Liverpool Playhouse

Writer: Ross Willis

Director: Sally Cookson

Let’s all think back to our times at school. We can probably remember the name of one teacher who looked out for you, believed in you and supported you – for me, that was Mr Collins-Turner, the school drama teacher who managed to see past the rambunctious teenager and help him to focus down and find his place.

In Ross Willis’ powerful play that relationship comes courtesy of Eva Scott’s friendly and at times hilariously blunt teacher Wainwright as she helps Sonny (Hilson Agbangbe) navigate the world when communication via his stutter doesn’t come naturally. He retreats to a comic book world where his creation Captain Chatter (played by Ciaran O’Breen) tries to help him navigate the world when those closest to him have gone and left him to fend for himself.

Sally Cookson’s production ensures that Wonder Boy is as accessible as possible – on stage captions are used creatively through-out so those who are hard of hearing have a constant connection to the text, delivery of lines are slightly slower and enunciated a little more than perhaps we are used to, the use of colour palette in Katie Syke’s costume design help differentiate between characters – and this is partly why the production is so successful.

Willis’s text doesn’t hold back either – full of swear words and phrases that are more than common in any school up and down the country may shock those who maybe wouldn’t expect them in a show of this style. This production doesn’t alienate or patronise its target audience, instead, it acknowledges them and tries to meet them in a familiar place.

The ensemble nature of the production isn’t lost either and despite its small touring cast, Wonder Boy has no weak links, Agbangbe is brilliant as Sonny, and his portrayal of the 12-year-old is wonderfully captivating. Scott is hilarious as teacher Wainwright and Jessica Murrain almost Machiavellian in their approach as head teacher Fish. On press night in Liverpool, Hannah Balogun steps into the role of friend Roshi and they light up the stage with an engaging energy that is simply stunning!

The production is beautifully underscored by composer Benji Power’s compositions which help bring a filmic emotional connection to the story being told. Wonder Boy does have some flaws – occasionally, storyline elements feel a little superfluous and can mean the production falls into the trap of being a little slow – however; this does not stop the play from being a powerful piece of theatre with a story that can touch and be related to by both the young and old. Like its characters, this production is playful and powerful in equal measure.

Runs until Sat 28 Sept 2024 and continues on UK Tour!