Reviewed by Cate Norris
This theatre adaptation of David Walliams’ Billionaire Boy is funny, fresh and funky. Telling the story of the son of ‘Bum Fresh’ loo roll inventor, Joe Spud (Ryan Heenan) who just wants an ordinary life. Joe convinces his dad, Len (Dean Nolan) to let him leave prep school to attend the local comprehensive. Joe quite likes his new school, but he finds one lesson particularly difficult to grasp – you can’t solve life’s problems by throwing some cash at them!
A combination of clever writing; witty quips; a hip and happening score and a sensational cast made for a very special piece of theatre. During the course of the evening I laughed appreciatively at an array of witty one liners and hilarious on stage antics. I filled up with emotion, empathising with a parent’s love for their son and then sympathised with teenage angst. I moved in my seat to the infectious music and was blown away by the gorgeous vocals of Ryan Heenan and Lem Knights, who were twice as nice in tandem. Needless to say, I was relatively surprised as I expected a kids’ show but got something very impressive which gave me ‘all the feels’. It’s clear that great direction and a team of creative individuals with real funny bones have been behind this production, it is sure to do very well.
Overall, Billionaire Boy is feel good family theatre with a valuable message at its core – family, love and friendship are the real riches in life. A definite must see.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15.75 to £22.75, family tickets £58 & £64 (booking fees may apply).
Billionaire Boy is at the Belgrade Theatre in Coventry from 20-23 February 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.belgrade.co.uk or call the box office on 02476 553055.
Belgrade Theatre, Belgrade Square, Coventry, CV1 1GS | 02476 55 3055
