Lenny Henry’s The Boy with Wings at Polka Theatre – review

High-energy fun, adventure, puppetry and rap are just some of the things you can expect from the family show, The Boy with Wings. Based on Lenny Henry’s popular children’s novel, the stage adaptation is brought to life by Arvind Ethan David. The story follows Tunde Wilkinson, a young boy who embarks on an intergalactic, action-packed mission to save the galaxy. The fast-paced production is a unique blend of fantasy, adventure, humour and heart!

Adiel Boboye stars as Tunde, a 12-year-old who fears sleeping in the dark and has mysterious back pains. His overprotective mum, Ruth (Mia Jerome), attempts to keep him indoors at all times, and we soon learn why. Tunde isn’t an ordinary child – he’s an alien from a bird-like avian planet. The back pains are a result of the sprouting of his wings. His mum is a scientist who has been secretly looking after Tunde, while his planet has been at war with a planet of cats! We even meet one of the cats, Juba, who comes to Earth in search of the boy with powers. Tunde and his best friends go on an interstellar journey to save the planet. Along the way, Tunde discovers more about who he is and even his long-lost dad.

Directed by Daniel Bailey, the show is energetic, youthful, and fresh. Original music by David and Khalil Madovi adds a lively edge. There is a lot packed into the production: puppetry, rap battles and even parkour. Gabrielle Nimo’s movement direction is especially impressive. The cast leap, slide and sprint across the space (and up past the audience), making the Polka Theatre stage feel bigger than it is.

What makes this production fly is the dynamic set and lighting design from Laura McEwen and Gillian Tan. There are smooth transitions between Earth and outer space, while Tan’s lighting cleverly replicates the feeling of being in a video game. Their video design works especially well during the parkour scenes; however, the reveal of Tunde’s wings – from the screen to the stage – feels disjointed.

Making his professional stage debut, Boboye plays Tunde with charm and makes a compelling hero. Together with his best friends Dev (Samir Mahat) and Kylie (Millie Elkins-Green), they expertly capture teenage energy with their playfulness and humour. Elkins-Green stands out thanks to their incredible rapping skills, particularly in the battles against Juba. Jessica Murrain’s Juba is hilariously over-articulate, speaking almost entirely in iambic pentameter. Murrain’s diction, stage presence and characterisation are a highlight. Jerome is wonderful as Tunde’s overprotective, but loveable mum, showcasing plenty of wit with some of her one-liners. Completing the cast is Stephan Boyce as Tunde’s long-lost alien father, Aaven, who also engages in catchy rap battles.

The performances are strong, fun and the cast often deliver the dialogue in rhyming couplets, adding to the appeal for younger audiences. The conclusion, which I won’t spoil here, feels somewhat rushed, though.

The story explores themes of family, identity and being brave, in ways that are accessible for children but also relatable for adults, and there’s a poignant moment between Ruth and Tunde as she defines the cultural meaning behind Tunde’s name. It’s especially refreshing to see diverse characters, with a Black superhero taking centre stage in this tale.

Polka Theatre continues to champion accessible and inclusive theatre for everyone, and this production is a fantastic example of this. The Boy with Wings soars with imagination, making it a brilliant family show.