Polka Theatre- until Saturday 16th August 2025
Reviewed by Brooke Burlinge
4****
The Boy with Wings is a production adapted by Arvind Ethan David from Sir Lenny Henry’s fabulous book. The action-packed, humorous and captivating show is certainly something to interest the children as well as the adults. We’re taken on a journey alongside Tunde (Adiel Boboye) where we’re whisked away by aliens, saving the galaxy and not to mention Tunde sprouting wings and finding out his mum, Ruth (Mia Jerome) has been hiding something important from him…
The set was perfectly incorporated into the play, making the production a lot more immersive while also having the kids in the audience gasping and gawping at the images projected onto the stage. Particularly in the parkour scenes, where Tunde goes out with his friends, Dev (Samir Mahat) and Kylie (Millie Elkins-Green) and we see them do parkour, the video from their digital camera as they do parkour projected on the backdrop of the stage. These scenes were also elevated with the set of the stage incorporating slopes and ladders. Both the props and set played a significant role within the performance, adding to the storyline while simultaneously keeping the children interested in what was happening.
Alongside the set and props, the costumes were truly brilliant, bright and vibrant, adding to the childlike atmosphere of the play. In particular Juba (Jessica Murrain) and Aaven (Stephan Boyce) has spectacular costumes, Juba’s costume playing into her feline features, particularly with the bushy tail and cat ears. Opposingly Aaven acquiring a magnificent set of wings. Contrasting with the average, everyday human- obviously since they’re alien warriors, living on different planets.
All in all, this is the perfect performance to go to for a family day out, it’s colourful and fun, all wrapped up in funny jokes and lines, silliness and much singing and rapping!