PW Productions Ltd presents
the Bristol Old Vic production of

Wonder Boy

Written by Ross Willis

Directed by Sally Cookson

Olivier Award-winner Sally Cookson (A Monster Calls) directs the critically acclaimed Bristol Old Vic production of WONDER BOY by Ross Willis, a heart-warming and inspiring story about the power of communication.

★★★★★

‘An audaciously inventive, sparky yet sensitive, giddily enjoyable new play that deserves to be packed to the rafters’

Guardian

Sonny is twelve. He stammers and is finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and let’s not forget the biggest beast of them all –small talk.

Sonny’s only friend is Captain Chatter, a comic book hero of his own creation, but in the realworld, language is power and Sonny must find a way to be heard. When cast in the school production of Hamlet by the Headteacher, he finds the real heroes are closer than he thinks.

Packed with playful humour, dazzling visuals and thrilling original music this innovative production includes live creative captioning on stage throughout.

Winner of the 2023 Writers’ Guild Award for Best Play.


12+ (strong language throughout)

BSL Video

Videos

  • Trailer

  • What audiences have to say

  • Reviews

★★★★★

‘Audience roaring with laughter and love from the first minute’

Whatsonstage

★★★★★

‘It's some kind of wonderful’

Guardian

★★★★

‘Boundingly imaginative’

The Times

Tour Dates 2024

Cast & Creatives

  • Writer Ross Willis
  • Director Sally Cookson
  • Set & Costume Designer Katie Sykes
  • Composer Benji Bower
  • Lighting Designer Aideen Malone
  • Sound Designer Jonathan Everett
  • Movement Director Laila Diallo
  • Caption & Video Designer Tom Newell (Limbic Cinema)
  • Associate Director Mary Sutherland
  • Fight Director Claire Llewellyn
  • Costume & Wigs Supervisor Sophia Khan
  • Casting Director Annelie Powell
  • BSL Consultant David Ellington

Education

Welcome to our education pack for ‘Wonder Boy’.

The story and themes will connect with the PHSE curriculum including antibullying, oracy, emotional intelligence, healthy relationships and resilience, as well as GCSE and A-level Drama syllabuses.

The play features live, integrated creative captioning. All of the characters’ lines are projected onto part of the set, including lines delivered in British Sign Language. The show embraces different methods of communication in its story and presentation.

Download the Resource Pack (PDF)

Download the Resource Pack (PDF, 1.8MB)

"I brought along a large group of students from years 10 to 13 to see ‘Wonder Boy’ at the Bristol Old Vic in 2022. The students really enjoyed the play, and they especially loved the movement and energy of the piece. The design, story and characters were all strong and easy for the students to relate to. We talk a lot about what inclusivity looks like and this show opens up that discussion on many levels. Students could then write about this play in their GCSE exam with confidence as they found it both relatable and entertaining. We have booked tickets for September and we cannot wait to see it again."
Claire Richards, Head of Performing Arts, Saint Gregory’s Bath

To hear more about the show and enjoy private access to a full recording of Wonder Boy as a post-visit resource please sign up here.

Affordable education rates for schools are available, check your local theatre for prices.

Partnerships

We are proud to be working in partnership with STAMMA – the largest UK charity and membership organisation representing people who stammer. STAMMA exists to create a world that makes space for stammering.

Find out how you can be a STAMMA ally here.