The Boy With Wings at Birmingham Rep is pure theatrical magic, a spectacular fusion of heart, humour, and hope that proves Sir Lenny Henry's beloved book was destined for the stage.

From the moment young Tunde crash lands into our world with his magnificent feathery appendages, this production takes flight in the most extraordinary way. Adiel Boboye delivers a powerhouse performance as our reluctant hero, capturing every nuance of a twelve year old's vulnerability and determination with remarkable authenticity. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that this marks Adiel Boboye's stage debut. He is an absolute natural, displaying the kind of instinctive stage presence that seasoned performers spend years developing. His physicality is particularly striking. You genuinely believe this boy has sprouted wings and is learning to navigate a world that suddenly feels both limitless and terrifying.

The supporting ensemble sparkles with infectious energy. Jess Murrain brings delightful complexity to Juba, the fur-ocious feline from planet Furlean, whilst Mia Jerome's Ruth provides the perfect emotional anchor as Tunde's protective adoptive mother. The chemistry between Millie Elkins Green's Kylie and Samir Mahat's Dev as Tunde's rap battling best friends is absolutely electric. Their freestyle sequences had the audience whooping with delight and demanding encores.

Stephan Boyce commands the stage as the mysterious Aaven in what can only be described as a standout performance that anchors the entire production. Delivering a masterclass in otherworldly gravitas balanced with genuine paternal warmth, Stephan Boyce transforms what could have been a simple alien warrior into a complex, deeply moving father figure. When the truth about Tunde's heritage unfolds, Stephan Boyce ensures every revelation lands with both cosmic significance and intimate emotional weight, creating moments of genuine theatrical magic.

Daniel Bailey's direction is nothing short of inspired. He has crafted a production that respects its young audience's intelligence whilst delivering spectacle that leaves adults gasping in wonder. The pacing is exemplary, building from Tunde's earthbound frustrations through his parkour adventures to the intergalactic showdown with remarkable precision.

Arvind Ethan David's adaptation brilliantly captures Sir Lenny Henry's wit and wisdom, transforming the source material into something that feels utterly theatrical whilst remaining faithful to the book's spirit. Every line crackles with personality, and the dialogue feels lived in and authentic. No mean feat when dealing with alien warriors and talking cats.

The technical elements are absolutely sublime. Laura McEwen's set and costume design creates a universe that feels both fantastical and grounded, from the urban parkour playground to the cosmic battlefields beyond. Khalil Madovi's composition and sound design provide the perfect sonic landscape, with musical themes that soar alongside our hero's journey. Gillian Tan's lighting and video design transforms the theatre into a genuine portal to other worlds, whilst Gabrielle Nimo's movement direction ensures every aerial sequence feels genuinely magical.

But what truly elevates this production is its beating heart. This is not merely a story about a boy who grows wings. It is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the courage required to embrace what makes us different. In our current climate, where young people face unprecedented challenges to their sense of self worth, Tunde's journey feels both timely and timeless.

The audience response has been extraordinary. Children lean forward in their seats, utterly transfixed, whilst parents find themselves wiping away tears during the more poignant moments. The standing ovations have become nightly occurrences, with families lingering in their seats as if reluctant to return to a world where boys do not sprout wings and adventures do not await around every corner.

This is family theatre at its absolute finest. Intelligent, moving, spectacular, and utterly unforgettable. The Boy With Wings does not just entertain, it inspires. It reminds us that our perceived limitations might actually be our greatest strengths, that family extends far beyond blood relations, and that sometimes the most extraordinary adventures begin when we finally stop playing it safe.

Birmingham Rep and Polka Theatre have delivered something genuinely special here. This production will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of theatre lovers whilst reminding seasoned audiences why live performance remains unmatched in its power to transport, transform, and transcend.

Do not walk to the box office, fly. The Boy With Wings is the theatrical event of the summer, a production that proves dreams really can take flight when imagination meets exceptional artistry.

Essential viewing for anyone who has ever dared to dream of soaring.