ED2015 4/5 Reviews ED2015 Theatre Reviews

Billy Through The Window – Bellow Theatre

By | Published on Thursday 20 August 2015

Billy Through the Window

From Mark Haddon’s ‘Curious Incident’ to Tom Hanks’ Forrest Gump, portrayals of those with learning difficulties are often gimmicky and romanticised, but Tabitha Mortiboy’s startling ‘Billy Through The Window’ is a remarkable departure from that hackneyed tradition. Joe and Billy run away to the woods, away from their care home where they do everything together. Forever trying to just be normal, Joe manically drags Billy through an afternoon of adolescent exploration, spliffs, porn and booze. Joe, memorably acted by Joe O’Toole, is a poignantly challenging character, catastrophically volatile and tragically vulnerable. The brilliance of the play lies in its affecting, immersive claustrophobia, as the tender, autumnal, beauty of the hideaway fades into feverish horror. Much of me wanted to help; more of me wanted to leave.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Patrick Galbraith]



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