Jessica Swale first adapted Clive King’s children’s book for a production at Grosvenor Park in 2016. She has returned to it with a twist. This time, she has written it for two deaf actors in the leads and a production, by Harry Jardine, that is signed throughout.
Now Barney (Mia Ward) is a boy whose use of BSL excludes him not only from playground friendships but also from a consistent standard of education. It also puts pressure on big sister Lou (Haylie Jones) who has to act as an interpreter instead of getting on with life as a 10-year-old. Things change when Barney stumbles into the dump and meets caveman Stig (Alex Nowak), whose Neanderthal grunts present communication challenges of their own.
In this version, Barney is doubly discriminated against: first, as the bullied child whose stories are dismissed as fantasy; second, as the deaf boy too readily ignored by those who can hear. His final triumph is a victory for visibility and inclusivity.
On paper, that’s all great. If only the whole thing were not so long-winded. The issue is not with the bilingualism – although a scene in which Barney and Stig search for a way to communicate is hard to follow. Rather, it is to do with the script and the staging. Too often, Swale lets scenes ramble on after they have made their point and, too often, she follows up with even less necessary scenes that recap the simple plot.
Similarly, despite the scrap-metal rhythms bashed out by a hard-working company, Jardine’s production is low on theatrical wonder. With half-hearted audience participation and more noise than precision, it lessens the story’s impact by dragging its feet.
At Grosvenor Park, Chester, until 29 August.
