On stage: The Boy With Wings is now performing at the Polka Theatre until August
NAOMI TOWNSEND and her sister EMILY TOWNSEND travelled to Wimbledon to see the premiere of the musical based on Lenny Henry’s book, The Boy With Wings
Big day out: Naomi (left) and Emily Townsend arrive for their theatre visit
I had never been to the Polka Theatre before, and as I walked into the big building, I saw the café.
At first, I thought the entire building was a restaurant, until I saw the word theatre on the sign. I liked the look of the café because all of the windows were open, and it looked like a cool place eat.
My little sister and I often go to the theatre, but we had never seen The Boy With Wings before.
Emily and I thought it would just be about a little boy who used his wings to fly all over the world, which he kept a secret. To be honest, because we had never heard of Sir Lenny Henry, we were not sure what to expect, but we always enjoy going to the theatre and we knew that we would have a great time.
Tunde, the main character, is a 12-year-old boy. At the start of the play, he was a bit of a scaredy cat, but his friends helped him to get through his fears.
Game boys: Tunde, played Adiel Boboye (right), has to overcome some growing pains
Tunde’s dad is an alien king who is at war with a pretty cat who was also an alien queen, and who ended up kidnapping Tunde.
Tunde’s best friend was a cool girl. She could rap and did not allow the fact that she used a wheelchair to stop her from having a good time. In her raps, she would take the mickey out of the cat, making everyone in the audience, including my mum laugh.
Lots to offer: the play includes puppetry, songs, lots of action and rap
I was surprised to learn that the scientist who looked after Tunde was not his real mum. In fact, he did not know that either until his dad came to visit, but that did not change how much he loved her.
My favourite part of the show was the rap songs, as the lyrics were really good, but I hated the break as it interrupted the flow of things.
It was a little scary when the actors came down into the audience, because it was so dark, but after the play I enjoyed meeting the cast and having my photo taken with them. My sister and I even got to meet Sir Lenny Henry, and he autographed the book that my mum bought me.
The play made me think that you never know what will happen to you in life.
You may have to face things that scare you, and some people may hide secrets from you that might surprise you, but you just have to be brave and lean on your friends who have your back.
Star guests: Sir Lenny Henry got to meet Naomi (right) and Emily after the play
I think the play would have been better if there were more people in it, as some of the actors had more than one role.
The Boy With Wings was a really nice play that I would encourage everyone to see, but trust me, you will not be disappointed if you buy the book, too.
- Naomi Townsend, aged nine, attends a South Croydon primary school
- Thanks to the Polka Theatre in Wimbledon for arranging the review tickets for Naomi, Emily and their mum.
- The Boy With Wings, based on the book by Sir Lenny Henry, is a co-production with the Birmingham Rep. It is rated as suitable for children aged from seven to 12.
- The Boy With Wings is being performed at the Polka Theatre, Wimbledon, until August 16. Tickets from £10.
- For further information and tickets, click here
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