York Theatre Royal – until Saturday 2nd November 2024
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
5*****
Bristol Old Vic’s production of Wonder Boy is currently playing at York Theatre Royal. The show uses state of the art live creative captioning and BSL performance, running in conjunction with traditional theatre and live music.
Sonny is a 12-year-old foster boy, struggling at home and within the education system. Finding himself at a new school, he hides in silence behind a debilitating stammer. He spends his time engrossed with his drawings and in his own world with Captain Chatter, a character created from his imagination. Contrary to the name, Captain Chatter never speaks, using BSL to communicate.
Luckily for Sonny he encounters Wainwright, the teacher that every pupil deserves, but unfortunately rarely gets. She is blunt and forthright but cares deeply. With patience and understanding, she is determined for Sonny to find his voice.
Sonny is joined on his journey by his total opposite, Roshi. Bonding together after both getting into trouble. They are forced to join the drama club and participate in the school’s production of Hamlet. She is a force of nature and just the type of friend Sonny needs.
Hilson Agbangbe, in his professional debut, is outstanding as Sonny. He had the entire audience invested in Sonny’s story. His physicality in the role, as he is battling his demons, is intense and you can feel the struggle he is going through. His portrayal was mesmerising to watch and I’m sure he has a bright future ahead of him.
Naia Elliot-Spence is another in her professional debut as Roshi. She is a whirlwind on stage and her synopsis of Hamlet was breathtaking to watch, a highlight of the show. She is another one to watch for the future.
Eva Scott is excellent as Wainwright. She is engaging to watch as the supportive teacher. Full of spirit and passionate in her teaching, whilst having to battle against the establishment, everyone deserves a voice.
Captain Chatter is played by deaf actor Ciaran O’Breen. His facial expressions and physicality on stage is animating. Completing the cast of five, is Meg Matthews as Miss Fish and mum. She switched between the roles of Sonny’s memories of his mother, and the demon headmistress with ease.
The staging was stripped back, but very effective with creative captioning being integral to the story.
Wonder Boy is a show full of vulnerability, but the story is about resilience and the power of communication.
This is a truly wonderful, imaginative and immersive show that deserves to be seen by all, over the age of 12, as there is some swearing involved. I cannot recommend it more.