Wonder Boy At The Wolverhampton Grand

Theatre that genuinely speaks to teenagers, and speaks in their language, is hard to find. Written by Ross Willis,  Wonder Boy, which opened at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre last night, did just that. It’s clever use of words and graphics in its staging, and a compact cast, make this a sad yet funny, devastating yet ultimately heart warming tale of the power of ‘small talk’, and how something we all take for granted can mean the world to someone losing the will to interact due to a stammer.

Sonny is the wonder boy of the title, a lost, clever, warm and loving boy who is slowly dying of frustration due to his awful stammer, which makes even the most simple communication virtually impossible. He lives through his comic book character, Captain Chatter, someone who can speak without issue, but school is becoming increasingly fraught due to his frustrations. In a detention session with Deputy Head teacher Wainwright he meets fellow outcast Roshi, who becomes his best friend. When both are sent to a lunchtime drama club to improve their behaviour, Roshi discovers a love of drama, whilst Sonny is terrified when he learns he has been given a role in an upcoming production of Hamlet. Sonny receives help from Wainwright, who reveals a secret of her own, but will Sonny be able to conquer his demons before the performance?

This is a beautiful piece of theatre that highlights so many issues for modern day pupils and teachers in a school. Bullying, being judged, paper pushing and tick boxes, the play has smart things to say on all these issues. The use of bad language in the play is frequent, but is used for effect and is effective, particularly when a c-bomb is dropped. It is also realistic, teenagers do swear, all the time, and it would be more unrealistic not to use it.

The play is also very funny in parts. The modern day explanation of Hamlet by the brilliant Roshi is an absolute hoot, and pretty accurate to be fair, whilst the idea of ‘the bard’ fighting against Captain Chatter in order to get Sonny to deliver his lines, is very clever.

The small cast are absolutely perfect, Samir Mahat was heartbreaking as Sonny, but was balanced by the often hilarious Naia Elliot-Spence as the inimitable Roshi. Matt Lim was an energetic Captain Chatter, whilst Eva Scott and Jessica Murrain as the adults Wainwright and Fish/Mum added balance and depth to their roles.

Wonder Boy is thought provoking entertainment that is perfectly judged for the teen market. Highly recommended.

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