Wonder Boy (NHB Modern Plays)

'What use is a boy who can't say his own name?'

Sonny is twelve. He stammers and is finding his way in a world ruled by vicious vowels, confusing consonants, and the biggest beast of all – small talk. His only escape is with a comic-book hero of his own creation, who helps Sonny soar above his reality.

But when he's cast by the headteacher in the school production of Hamlet, he soon discovers that language is power – and the real heroes are closer than he thinks.

Ross Willis's play Wonder Boy is a 'boundingly imaginative' (The Times) drama about the power of finding your own voice. It was first directed by Sally Cookson, performed at Bristol Old Vic in 2022, named Best Play at the 2023 Writers' Guild Awards, and revived for a UK tour in 2024.

'Ross Willis is a fresh and fearless voice, clearly itching to test the boundaries of theatre' – Evening Standard

'An audaciously inventive, sparky yet sensitive, giddily enjoyable new play that deserves to be packed to the rafters' – Guardian

'Few things in theatre can match the electricity of a first-night crowd that believes what they've just seen will join the canon. Wonder Boy, by rights, should be on the school curriculum tomorrow… Willis's writing has all the roguish energy of a Year 8 inner-city classroom… a work designed to celebrate and find joy in overcoming adversity. You can't help but be washed along with it' – WhatsOnStage

'A welcome treat… as heart-warming as it is heartbreaking… impressive stuff' – British Theatre Guide

'Exhilarating… Ross Willis has a terrific feel for words… inspiring, irrespective of age' – Observer