A powerful, hilarious, moving and perfect production.
Directed by: Matt Rutter & Chris Tomlinson
Written by: Lewis Bray
Starring: Lewis Bray
Meet Jack Bray. Jack is a 17-year-old-boy who is autistic and speaks with an American accent.
He imitates his favourite cartoon characters and it is the only way he communicates.
Now, meet his brother, Lewis Bray. Lewis is depicting the life of his brother and the impact his learning difficulties have.
CARTOONOPOLISÂ is an inspirational, powerful and moving production with a deeper message.
Lewis is Jack’s carer and wrote the one-man show where he performs more than 25 different characters including himself, his brother, his father/mother and the countless residents of Cartoonopolis.
This is a truly magnificent production and Lewis clearly showed his talents as an actor. His ability to keep the audience engaged throughout the 1hr-50mins production was phenomenal. One moment he has them roaring with laughter, then swiftly they reach for tissues – a true masterpiece performance.
The story is universal and can be shared by everyone as it takes an in-depth look at how it feels to have autism and more importantly how that effects the family.
Judging from the audience in the sell-out show, there were people from all backgrounds including people with autism and people who have autistic children who were seeking guidance.
It has already been stated but Lewis’ acting ability was truly outstanding and is a name to keep an eye out for. With only a one-man cast, the production was extremely simplistic – there was only a chair for the set and that was it.
This extremely creative initiative allowed the audience to use their imagination, which is similar to the every-day life of Jack.
The story was more emotional than originally anticipated but Lewis’ acting style, allowed even the more sensitive and moving parts to have an element of humour.
It was a powerful production that kept the audience focused and laughing with hysterics from the opening scene to the finale.
The production was staged in the studio in the Playhouse Theatre in Liverpool and the small venue suited perfectly in its intimate surrounding and the standing ovation confirmed the success of the play.
CARTOONOPOLIS is part of the Ignition Project, supported by the Talent Fund raised alongside the Everyone for the Everyman fundraising appeal.
The Ignition Project has been set up to nurture new artists and make sure our stages are filled with new talent and new ideas.
With a script based around things Jack has done and said, this is a true unique event and Lewis should be extremely proud of what he has achieved.
The play has unfortunately ended already, but no doubt it is a performance I would pay to see over and over again.
