REVIEW: My Brother’s A Genius, Sheffield Playhouse
LEARNING to fly is symbolic of this moving coming-of-age story of twins growing up with neurodivergence.
Written by Debris Stevenson – acclaimed writer of The RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac and The Royal Court’s Poet in da Corner and Theatre Centre Resident Writer – it draws on her own experiences, with rhythmic original music by Jammz, including song and spoken word, punctuating every heart beat.
Sheffield Theatres, The National Youth Theatre and Theatre Centre are all co-producers.
From the start the production recognised inclusion and diversity, offering the audience comfort toys, a relaxed environment and a safe space.
If the reaction from young people in the audience is anything to go by, this is a play which really takes off.
From the family’s 12-storey high-rise home twins Daisy and Luke emerge from childhood to adult life up against mental health, class restrictions and parents who don’t quite get it.
It’s all about flying, falling and failing, each of them with a different perspective.
Daisy is branded an “idiot” while Luke is called a “genius” and their paths go in separate directions when it comes to going to “big, big schools.”
Immaculately directed by Eleanor Manners, real life and dreams intermingle as Luke heads for Space X training and a trip to Mars while Daisy wins a school place to join the circus but ends up back where she grew up.
Reality seems to see them both come crashing down one way or the other – thanks to faulty wings, Elon Musk, and their mum.
But together they re-form the bond they had as youngsters.
A simple multi-use set and clever lighting design keep up with the pace and humour of the main characters adapting to an unequal world while trying to live life to the full.
Jess Senanayake as Daisy and Tyrese Walters as Luke are a charming, compelling and formidable duo, playing off each other, switching characters effortlessly, displaying tremendous energy and humour.
A diverse, life-embracing, heartfelt play that makes sure everyone is included on the journey.
A little bit of genius, you might say.
My Brother’s A Genius is at Sheffield Playhouse until February 14 2026.