Reviewed by Janine Rumble
Last night (3 September 2018) I went to see Rain Man at Milton Keynes Theatre. Having watched the film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman when I was younger, I was interested to see how they would make it into a theatre show. The Classic Screen to Stage Theatre Company easily transformed the story from the screen to the stage with the help of two amazing actors, Mathew Horne, who plays Raymond Babbit and Edward Speleers, who plays his younger brother, Charlie Babbit, alongside a small supporting cast, brilliant stage set up, lighting, music and costumes.
If you have seen the film, then this show follows the film to the letter, it charts Charlie’s discovery that his estranged father has died and has left his $3 million fortune to a medical facility. Upon visiting this facility, Charlie finds out that he has an autistic older brother that he knew nothing about, irate that he has been left nothing, he takes Raymond out of the facility. This show charts the journey for both of them, in which both of their lives are changed forever.
I was initially worried that I would not find the characters believable or be able to relate to them without comparing them to Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, but both Mathew Horne and Edward Speleers were amazing, making the characters their own. Edward as the down on his luck, brooding, angry young man who suddenly discovers he has an older brother and Mathew, the autistic older brother. The actors took the audience on a journey, leaving them feeling a range of emotions the show, until the emotional ending. The chemistry between the two actors was amazing. The anger and the resentment oozed out of Edward’s character, whilst Mathew’s performance as an autistic character was just amazing to watch, how he kept in character throughout the whole show was astounding.
Neil Roberts played Dr Bruener brilliantly, especially during the scenes at the end of the show, as the kind and caring doctor. Elizabeth Carter was great as Charlie Babbit’s girlfriend, especially during the dancing scene. Mairi Barclay, Adam Lilley, Joe Sellman Leava and Hannah Barker all played their parts well.
The show directed by Jonathan O’Boyle and produced by Bill Kenwright, took the audience from Los Angeles to Cincinnati to Las Vegas using clever, simple scenery and props to replicate the different destinations Charlie went to on his journey to becoming a better man. The scenery and the stage was set very simply and cleverly used lighting, doorways and windows to show buildings. The props on stage were kept very simple and were moved on and off stage as needed. The music that was used during the scene changes was 80s music and I found myself singing along. The costumes were brilliant and were very much of the time (1980s), as were some of the hairstyles. All these parts came together to give another level of authenticity to the show.
I would highly recommend going to see this show, whether or not you have seen the film or not. It is an experience in itself, a journey of discovery of one’s family and in Charlie’s case, oneself.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15.40 to £40.90 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
Rain Man is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 3-8 September 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
