A long time favourite 80’s movie
gets the stage treatment and is even better than the original.
The story of Charlie Babbitt,
wannabe big shot luxury car dealer and his brother Raymond is as classic and
timeless as the 80s soundtrack that accompanies this Classic Screen to Stage
production.
Charlie (played by Chris Fountain with great frustration, a big ego
an even bigger chip on his shoulder) is desperate to raise some cash to head
off the loan sharks and save his failing business. All he cares about is himself, so when his
estranged father dies, he expects to inherit the family fortune and all his worries
will be gone. Sadly (for him) the estate
is left to a 3rd person, someone whom Charlie has never known
existed yet has been linked to all is life – his brother Raymond.
Raymond is a savant, initially ‘held’
in an institution by a doctor who believes that isolation is the only way to
protect Raymond from the world. Adam
Lilley plays Raymond and, if Dustin Hoffman received the Oscar for Best
Supporting Actor, then Adam should equally be feted in acclaim and awards. His portrayal of Ray is both sensitive and
dynamic, immediately exposing the vulnerability of someone for whom the world
is a confusing and scary place and yet, throughout, he bestows Ray with a
strength of not needing to conform.
Through an attempt to get access
to the family fortune by taking Raymond on a road trip, Charlie realises that
life has far more purpose when you care about someone other than yourself.
Chris
Backed by some innovative set
design, wonderful use of 80’s pop music and great pacing this transfer from screen
to stage makes for a brilliant evening. Northern
Stage, with its wide stage, very comfy seats and great hospitality is an ideal
venue for a night out.
Rain Man runs until the 13th
April – tickets https://www.northernstage.co.uk/Event/rain-man
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