Reviewed by Louise Watts
David Walliams first entered the world of children’s fiction just over a decade ago and since then has be likened to Roald Dahl. Several of his books have since been made into films and also adapted for stage.
Following the success of Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie, Billionaire Boy is the latest book to be adapted by Neal Foster for stage. Tonight, myself and my 2 children aged 5 and 11 went to The Capitol Horsham to see the book brought to life on stage.
From the minute the show opened, the toilet humour was incredible. What more could a 5-year-old boy want than a show about poo and toilet paper! I hadn’t read the book (although my 11-year-old had) so I wasn’t sure of the story, however I laughed and laughed throughout the whole show.
The story is based around a rich boy called Joe Spud whose father becomes a huge success by creating “Bum Fresh” toilet paper. Whilst there is a large comedy element to this story, the true lesson learnt is that money can buy a lot of things, but it cannot buy friendship or happiness. Joe (played by the incredibly talented Matthew Gordon), is a 12-year-old billionaire who just wants to have a friend. When he meets Bob (played by the equally talented Davy Bell) their friendship doesn’t run smoothly but eventually they find true happiness.
The music and songs throughout the show are captivating, colourful and lively. The audience were laughing out loud at the Bum Fresh song and we all wanted more. All 9 members of the cast were clearly having fun and enjoying themselves. The children were loving every second.
In a world where money and gadgets are important to our children and peer pressure to have the newest and best possessions is so strong, it is refreshing to be able to show them that money isn’t everything in life.
The set was incredibly versatile, I had no idea that toilet roll could be so adaptable! Set changes were performed subtly (as in Gangsta Granny and Awful Auntie) by the cast members and there was no disruption to the story. An extremely cleverly designed set.
The Capitol was as always, a lovely venue with extremely polite and friendly members of staff who are always happy to help in any way possible. The bar was open for drinks and snacks and there was a merchandise stall available selling programmes, books and various other items. Parking at The Capitol is easy and at the evening rate of £1, this cannot be complained about!
At the end of the show, the audience were thoroughly buzzing. As if the show itself wasn’t enough, we were then greeted by the man himself Mr. David Walliams in a guest appearance. The cast appeared as shocked as the audience but what an incredible treat to see the man who created the book himself on stage. An absolutely fantastic end to an amazing evening.
This show is incredible and an absolute must see for all David Walliams fans! It is fun, fun, fun all the way!!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £20.50 to £22.50 (booking fees may apply).
Billionaire Boy is at The Capitol in Horsham from 26-29 September 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.thecapitolhorsham.com or call the box office on 01403 750220.
The Capitol Horsham, North Street, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1RG | 01403 750220