Review: LAUGHING BOY, Jermyn Street Theatre

Photo credit: Alex Brenner

Scan the TV bulletins and there will be at least one story documenting the failures of a beleaguered NHS. A sorry tale of neglect and indifference that claims another victim. The happy endings are seldom reported because that is expected. It's the failures that resonate most deeply; the quest for truth; a simple admission of fault giving the faintest of hope. This new play, adapted and directed by Stephen Unwin, throws light on a misfiring health system. In particular, one lost soul called Connor Sparrowhawk who was lovingly dubbed laughing boy.

It's July 2013 and England is bathed in a long hot summer. Connor (Alfie Friedman) is blessed with a loving family but dogged by autism and epilepsy. Mother Sara Ryan (Janie Dee) reluctantly places Alfie into a special NHS unit. She hopes for his own good and her peace of mind. However, Sara gets the call that every parent dreads. The eighteen-year old had drowned in the bath when he should have been supervised. Their hearts poured, but through her grief was determined to find out what happened. A litany of excuses and blindsiding by the hospital trust would not deter them. A system bursting at the seams, under staffed and over worked passed Connor from pillar to post. Uncertain where and how he should be treated. Not an adult but not quite a child; no one seemed to know where he belonged.

Images are projected on to a plain white vista across the stage. Scenes from a happy life mingle with the aftermath and inevitable deflection of responsibility. The seven strong cast remain on stage for the duration of a compact one hour and forty minute play. The narrative pivots on conversations between Sara and her late son. We learn more about Connor and a contented childhood despite his difficulties. But the strongest message is a system that failed to understand his needs and refused to admit its shortcomings.

Janie Dee gives a wonderfully controlled performance that conveys grief, anger and even moments of light relief. She is ably supported by a strong cast that includes Forbes Masson, Lee Braithewaite, Charlie Ives, Molly Osborne and Daniel Rainford.

Laughing Boy is a fine tribute to Connor and all those who've suffered the same fate. You may not have known his name before, but this play sets the record straight.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Brian Penn

Laughing Boy plays at the Jermyn Street Theatre until 31 May 2024, with further info here.