Up Down Boy
by Sue Shields with music by John O'Hara
Directors: Heather Williams / Gareth Machin
Choreographer: Michelle Gaskell
Designer: Katie Sykes
Lighting / Projection Designer: Michael Straun
Up Down Boy is a poignant, life-affirming comedy, inspired by the extraordinary life story of a young man with Down’s syndrome and his mother’s humorous and idiosyncratic perspective on bringing him up.
Originally performed at Bristol’s Tobacco Factory Theatre, Up Down Boy was re-launched as a co-production with Salisbury Playhouse. To date its remarkable success has taken the production on three national tours and as far afield as New Zealand. In September 2013 it was performed at the National Theatre.
The play is written by Sue Shields - the mother of a child with Down’s syndrome - with creative support from Catherine Johnson. In a unique twist, the central character – ‘Matty’ - is played by the writer’s own son, gifted actor Nathan Bessell. Artistic Director, Heather Williams plays the part of the mother.
This is a highly original production that portrays the ups and downs of family life in all its chaotic warmth and humour. As Matty stands at the crossroads of adult life, his quirky imagination is reflected through expressive choreography and cartoon-style animation.
Image: Nathan Bessell/ Animator Sam Morrison
Photographer: Graham Burke
What People Are Saying
“It was an extraordinary privilege to welcome Up Down Boy to the National Theatre. It was written, acted and directed with the kind of flair and integrity that you only find in the best theatre; and it brought an audience to the National that we’d like to see much more of.”
Sir Nicholas Hytner, National Theatre
“The play brims with humour, charm and deep affection.”
Wiltshire Times
“A truly entertaining and uplifting story”