The Boy With Wings - Birmingham Repertory Theatre

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Sat 21 Jun 2025 - Sat 30 Aug 2025

The world premiere stage adaptation of comedian and author Sir Lenny Henry's best-selling children's book is coming to the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. The Rep has teamed up with Polka Theatre in Wimbledon to jointly produce The Boy With Wings, which opens at Polka Theatre from June 21 to 16 August before transferring to Birmingham from Thursday 21 August to Saturday 30 August. Sir Lenny's book has been adapted by writer Arvind Ethan David and directed by Daniel Bailey, winner of Best Director at The Stage Debut Awards 2024.

When Tunde sprouts wings and learns that his father is a ferocious alien warrior, he’s all that stands between the galaxy and total destruction - suddenly homework and school aren't all he has to contend with. Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals has got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger - this is his destiny. No pressure then. . .



Sir Lenny said: “Just a couple of months to go until my children’s book The Boy With Wings will be transported LIVE on stage, first at Polka Theatre and then Birmingham Rep! It’s so important for children to experience live theatre, and this is going to be totally cool – a really fun show for the whole family to enjoy. There’s nothing quite like the magic of seeing a story come to life on stage – it sparks imagination, inspires creativity, and creates unforgettable memories. Perfect for those who know the book to see the characters brought to life, but also an exciting, out-of-this-world adventure for anyone coming to the story fresh. Come and watch Tunde and his friends in this epic live experience!”

The Boy With Wings is brought to the stage with set and costume design by Laura McEwen (Oh No, George, UK tour), sound design by Khalil Madovi (Animal Farm, Theatre Royal Stratford East, Leeds Playhouse, Nottingham Playhouse), lighting and video design by Gillian Tan (Mind Mangler, Apollo Theatre, New York, Virgin Cruises, UK Tour), with movement direction from Gabrielle Nimo (Sleepova, Bush Theatre).



Polka’s Artistic Director Helen Matravers said: “It is an honour to premiere Sir Lenny Henry’s first children’s book at Polka. Not only is it a wonderful action-adventure story perfect for a summer outing, but there are brand new songs throughout, with some twists and spins just for theatre audiences. It is essential that theatre inspires every child in the audience and shows them that it is relevant and open to them to engage with, particularly for this age group, and front and centre in this production is the character of Tunde who is discovering and celebrating his individuality - something important to Lenny with writing the book, and Polka with staging it.

"We’re working with the most amazing creative team to bring the book to life, all of whom have unreservedly recognised the importance of developing exceptional quality theatre for young audiences. Polka has a long history of creating magical, memorable moments for children, and we are so delighted that Birmingham Rep is on this journey with us so that the story and the inspiration can be shared with families far and wide!”



The Boy With Wings can be seen at The Rep from Thursday 21 to Saturday 30 August. To book tickets visit birmingham-rep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 (Monday to Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Saturdays 12pm to 6pm.

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