The Boy with Wings based on the book by Sir Lenny Henry has so much potential to fly. The storyline is based around the twelve-year-old boy Tunde (Adiel Boboye) who is being brought up by his overprotective Mum, Ruth played by Mia Jerome.

Tunde is struggling with sleeping and back ache (which we later realise are his wings cutting through). He does find his Mum’s behaviour strange as she rarely lets him go outside and encourages him to play computer games. All becomes clear in Act Two.

His best friends challenge him to a street running game that Dev (Samir Mahat) completed the day before. Kylie (Millie Elkins-Green) follows their movements by a camera and an app on her tablet which the audience watches on the screen at the back of the stage. What happens during Tunde’s turn to complete the course takes them all by surprise and leaves Tunde traumatised and confused.

Meanwhile, we meet the cat Juba (Jessica Murrain) whose landed on earth in search of the person to “make peace” between the cat and bird planets! Things are not as they appear as we discover when Tunde’s father Aaven (Stephen Boyce) flies onto the scene.

When the cast is in outer space the adaptation could have lit up the auditorium with stars and lighting to bring the audience into the story. A simple effect that would bring a touch of theatre magic into the play while transporting everyone into the galaxy.

The cast of six work well together onstage bringing the children’s book to life. However, children are harsh critics and the lack of special effects could potentially lose some of their attention throughout the play. It’s a pity as the storyline has so much room to allow it to be a visual explosion of colours and effects on stage as the Polka Theatre space has the room to allow it.

For more information about The Boy with Wings and other productions and events at Polka Theatre please visit the links below.

Based on the book by: Sir Lenny Henry
Adapted for stage by: Arvind Ethan David
Songs by: Arvind Ethan David and Khalil Madovi
Directed by: Daniel Bailey
Set & Costume Design by: Laura McEwen
Composer & Sound Design by: Khalil Madovi
Lighting & Video Design by: Gillian Tan
Musical Director: Khalil Madovi
Movement Director: Gabrielle Nimo.

https://polkatheatre.com/