Billionaire Boy by British comedian and Britain’s Got Talent judge David Walliams is the latest of his successful novels to be transformed into a live stage show, currently touring the UK until November 2020. Hailed by critics as a modern day Roald Dahl, Walliams wacky and altogether original stories made him the UK’s biggest selling author in 2017 and 2018.
With his success now reaching theatre audiences, Awful Auntie and Gangsta Granny have all been given the stage treatment and the RSC have recently debuted a musical version of The Boy in the Dress with a soundtrack by Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers.
Adapted and Directed by Neal Foster, Billionaire Boy stars the loveable Joe Spud (Matthew Gordon), son and heir to the billion pound toilet roll franchise Bum Fresh (cue plenty of toilet humour gags throughout).
With millions of pounds of pocket money, a pet crocodile and a father who buys him anything he wants, Joe has everything he could ever wish for. Apart from the one thing he wants more than anything in the world – a true friend.
Tired of being teased at his posh private school, Joe enrols in the local comprehensive school and tries to keep his billionaire identity a secret. However can Joe find what he is looking for?
This light- hearted story features nine strong lead characters who quickly and seamlessly bring a wide range of eccentric characters to life on stage.
There are entertaining moments from the gold digging, trashy girlfriend Sapphire (Rosie Coles) and Raj the shopkeeper (Aosaf Afzal) who bring some old-fashioned humour to proceedings.
The staging features stacks of toilet rolls which transform into set pieces, disguises a few surprises including the impressive moment Dad uses a helicopter to deliver Joe’s homework to school.
Jak Poore punctuates Walliams story with a few catchy numbers which entertain the children but aren’t particularly memorable. However kids will love this cheeky, eccentric, fun-filled story and it’s enjoyable enough for the adults too. A lively family show to chase away the January blues. Tickets available until Saturday 18th January.