The Boy With Wings is flying high at the REP

Adiel Boboye as Tunde. Photo credit Jake Bush.

The Boy With Wings based on the book by Sir Lenny Henry written by Arvind Ethan David, at the Birmingham Rep Theatre from 21 – 30 August. Directed by Daniel Bailey.

Review by Ann Evans

For many children and parents who are familiar with Sir Lenny Henry’s book, The Boy With Wings, seeing the fabulous characters come to life on stage is a real delight. Colourful and seeming larger than life, we meet twelve year old Tunde – played by Adiel Boboye who is frightened of his own shadow. There’s danger everywhere. Even when he’s asleep - he has night terrors. It’s how his mum (Mia Jerome) has brought him up – outside is a dangerous place! Inside playing video games on his tablet, eating rubbish food is where it’s safe!

The Boy With Wings full cast. Photo credit Jake Bush.

Only she’s not his mum, she’s a scientist tasked with raising an alien baby, keeping him safe until he’s old enough to know the truth. Tunde has yet to find out that he is the child prophesised to bring peace to two warring planets. One inhabited by birds the other by futuristic talking felines – whose dialogue comes out in rhyme most of the time.

Before this can happen, Tunde must develop his alien super-powers – one being to grow wings and fly. This certainly surprises Tunde when it suddenly happens. He’s out with his two best friends, Dev played by Samir Mahat and Kylie (Millie Elkins-Green) bravely having a go at parkour when his magnificent wings sprout from his back.

Jess Murrain as Juba. Photo credit Jake Bush.

Tunde’s mum has always told him that his father is working away these last 11 years. What he doesn’t realise is that actually his dad Aaven (Stephan Boyce) is an important alien warrior whose planet is at war with planet Furlean – home to talking cat, Juba (Jess Murrain), who’s here to find the boy prophesised to bring peace to their planets. Brilliant characterisation by her.

There’s lots of action and fun on stage, with dramatic entrances – especially when Aaven appears out of the smoke. There’s great use of the back wall being brought to life with film footage and special effects that take us around the concrete Parkour to a distant galaxy where war is raging.

Mum, Dev, Kylie and Aaven. Photo credit Jake Bush.

The songs are really lively and up to date with Kylie revealing what an excellent rapper she is. Fabulous performances by Tunde and all six of the cast who certainly do justice to Lenny Henry’s book.  Possibly the publishers missed a trick by not having copies on sale! But a delightful, fast moving production, packed with music, rap and fun.  A hugely enjoyable evening out for all the family.

For tickets go to: https://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/whats-on/boy-with-wings