Among other things, this enjoyable piece for ages ten plus is a funny but poignant look at autism and how it affects family life, with a sub-plot about a troubled teenager coming to terms with his probable gay orientation - all wrapped up in a fast-paced mystery of a child’s disappearance.
John Cockerill’s performance as the literal, clever, meteorology-obsessed, intense, vulnerable and often hilarious Ted is outstanding especially in the horrifying scene in which his fragile self-control snaps and he hurls himself repeatedly and rhythmically against a wall. The way Cockerill produces the occasional glittering grin to offset Ted’s puzzlement about ‘normal’ people, with their small talk and body language, and his jokes about theatre make him deeply engaging.
The supporting cast is strong too with fine work from Amaka Okafor as the exasperated teenage sister putting up with Ted’s infuriating ways and Samantha Adams is good value as the difficult aunt whose son Selim (Liam Lane) is missing. The slick ensemble work is enjoyable (movement impeccably directed by Dan O’Neill), as is Arun Ghosh’s atmospheric music. An inspired decision to make something of the poetry of the shipping forecast too.
Woven through this tale of a disappearance on the London Eye is the beautiful poetry of The Tempest, Ted’s favourite play, because it starts with a storm, and performed at school by Selim and his friend Marcus (Ery Nzaramba) as Ferdinand and Miranda. The quotes are probably almost imperceptible to young ears - clever, as The Tempest is Unicorn’s next major production.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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