Reviewed by Sasha Nye
The Theatre Royal in Brighton is probably one of my favourite theatres to go to. I love how traditional it is, the ambience, the decor. Even with its traditional appearance it fits in really well in the unique and Diverse Brighton. It really puts you in the right mood for whatever show you are going to see. The staff are always very polite, friendly, extremely well presented and on hand to help with any query that you may have. A bonus is that it’s minutes walk from car parks and local transport.
Rain Man is an academy award winning 1989 film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.
It is the story of how after the death of his father Charlie Babbit (Tom Cruise) discovers his Autistic brother Raymond (Dustin Hoffman). This discovery ultimately changes both their lives.
I am always filled with a little bit of trepidation and hesitation when considering watching anything on stage or screen that covers anything to do with Autism. I find that they either do it a complete disservice or it is very good and I find it very emotive. This is mainly for personal reasons as I am the mother of a 13-year-old boy with Autism, so I know only too well the challenges he faces on a daily basis, how he is perceived by others but also his many strengths and beautiful qualities. Last night’s performance at the Theatre Royal in Brighton was outstanding. It was a good remake of the original story in the film but most importantly for me the acting was phenomenal. Matthew Horne played the part of Raymond with great respect, intelligence and sensitivity. It was clear by his performance that he had taken the time to think carefully about the portrayal of this character and he put a lot of time and effort in to it. Even staying in character during the set changes. Matthew showed all of the elements of Autism beautifully; the obsessive interests, the need for routine, the sensory overloads, difficulties in social communication and understanding etc… but in my humble opinion what he did which I haven’t seen many actors do before him, was bring Raymond to life on the stage, showing his vulnerability but also his ability to love and be loved! Bravo!!! And Thank you!
Ed Speleers, who played Charlie, was also brilliant as his reluctant younger brother who originally sets out to take advantage and use Raymond. I have to say I winced a few times and shifted in my seat at some of the language and behaviour Charlie directed at Raymond but that just goes to show how involved I was in the story and how great the acting was. The relationship between them raised a lot of emotion in me and others in the audience. Specifically, the dancing scene. I have watched my daughter many times show her older brother how to do things and this particular seen was beautiful and very real to watch. You could appreciate how difficult it was for Charlie to love Raymond at times but also how impossible it was for him not to love him… A journey a lot of people know only too well. At the end I was one of the first in the audience to be up on my feet!
A beautifully emotive play performed by a truly talented cast with respect, intelligence and passion.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13.90 to £40.90 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Rain Man is at the Theatre Royal in Brighton from 15-20 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/brighton or call the box office on 0844 871 7650.
Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1SD | 0844 871 7650
