In an ever-growing material world, this theatre adaptation of David Walliams’ children’s book Billionaire Boy reminded the Aberdeen audience of the important things in life, with plenty of humour to boot.
The 2022 Olivier-nominated West End show did not disappoint. HMT audience members young and old enjoyed plenty of jokes suited for all age groups.
The nine-member strong cast rotated between characters seamlessly, with the show’s central protagonist Joe Spud (played by Matthew Gordon) putting on an impressive performance.
The musical interludes were full of fun and to have this brief slice of escapism from the outside world was certainly enjoyable for all.
Topical themes
Speaking to the Press and Journal ahead of Billionaire Boy’s visit to His Majesty’s Theatre, Matthew Gordon said he feels that the story of Billionaire Boy is “more relevant now” than when Walliams’ book was first published in 2010.
Body image plays a big part in the show. Characters such as Joe’s harmless schoolmate Bob are shamed by bullies (The Grubbs) for being overweight, while Joe himself is taunted by other schoolmates for being uncool.
Materialism and excess are also embodied by Joe’s billionaire dad Len – the owner of toilet roll company Bumfresh.
Some of these topical themes are glossed over in the show; a School of Rock style moment where Jack Black assures his pupil Tamika that it’s okay to be bigger than others wouldn’t have gone amiss.
But there’s no denying that Billionaire Boy’s core theme, friendship, is put across wholeheartedly and will no doubt have left a lasting impression on every audience member come the show’s conclusion.
Excellent stage adaptation
Bringing Walliams’ children’s stories to the theatre stage was the brilliantly talented Birmingham Stage Company.
Their production of Gangsta Granny, another of Walliams’ hit books, was an award-winning success and watching their adaptation of Billionaire Boy, it was clear that they had maintained all of their entertaining form.
Essences of Walliams’ own diverse comedic persona were visible in every character.
Jake Lomas played Joe’s best friend Bob superbly while the unsung star of the show came in the form of shopkeeper Raj (played by Tuhin Chisti) – one of the only recurring characters to appear in all of Walliams’ children’s books.
His blend of goofy and witty humour provoked laughs from the entire audience and his vivid facial expressions lit up the stage.
A little more interaction with the sparse crowd at HMT may have pushed the atmosphere up a notch, but nonetheless, every cast member’s performance was faultless.
Who is the Billionaire Boy?
The story follows twelve-year-old boy Joe Spud, who is the richest boy in the UK.
He has a wealth of luxury possessions to his name including sports cars and crocodile pets – but one thing his money can’t buy is a friend.
Moving to a new school to try to be a “normal kid”, Joe’s brief successes with friendship soon leave his grasp anytime money becomes involved.
Eventually, both Joe and his billionaire dad Len learn that it doesn’t matter about having lots of money – it matters about having loving, caring people around you who you can call genuine friends.
Appeal for all ages
Joe’s 12th birthday wish to have a friend he could call his own finally came true as the show came to its conclusion.
Finishing with a lively musical encore, the Aberdeen audience gave out their applause in generous bounds.
This wasn’t just a show for kids. People of all ages were able to enjoy themselves.
Beneath the light-hearted humour lay important life messages that everyone could relate to.
The glee exuded on stage made for a surprisingly emotional finale, reminding the audience that the important things in life can’t be grasped with money, but with kindness.
He was the billionaire boy – but now, even better, he is the boy who has a friend.
For more information and tickets on Billionaire Boy at His Majesty’s Theatre visit aberdeenperformingarts.com
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