Debris Stevenson is not only a playwright but a grime poet. That is apparent in this lyrical two-hander, full of imagination and whimsy, about twins whose close sibling ties bring intimacy, ambition and fantasies of taking flight. But it also sets their place in the world: he is the genius of the family and she, by comparison, is defined as the “idiot.”
Both Daisy (Jess Senanayake) and Luke (Tyrese Walters) are neurodivergent, growing up in a high-rise block, aged 11 when we first meet them. She is navigating dyslexia and ADHD, trying to live authentically within herself while Luke is in denial of his autism, and it takes some time to see him as anything but a clever and supportive brother.
Blending poetry and movement, Jammz’s grime compositions bring this show infectiously to life. The young actors’ raps are impressive too, and there is an affectionate chemistry between them. But under Eleanor Manners’ direction, the pace could be slower with more tonal nuance so you can absorb the drama and the beauty of Stevenson’s script.
Movement and action as a whole could be clearer and sharper too. Even though the story blends realities – inner, outer, real and imaginative worlds – it takes a while to follow some scene switches. The set design by Erin Guan, comprising a curtain, a swing and a cardboard stereo system, is rather undefined too.
The twins seek escape and liberation of different kinds. Luke’s ambition is to be the first teenager on Mars, Daisy wants to train in circus acrobatics. The actors also voice several other roles, from teachers to parents. A lot is packed in, from parental violence and a mother with mental health issues to sibling rivalry. There is omniscient narration as well and it sometimes builds confusion, but perhaps the story and its switches are deliberately meant to be oblique and non-literal.
When it works, it is absorbing and moving, such as a scene in which Daisy feels as if she is floating and seems finally to have found a home in circus training. Walters gives a lovely performance too of a protective but single-minded brother in denial of his own neurodivergence.
A Sheffield Theatres, Theatre Centre and National Youth Theatre co-production, it is an idiosyncratic and infectious drama, affirming Stevenson as a uniquely gifted playwright. It is, ultimately, the words that fly here.
• At the Playhouse, Sheffield, until 14 February. Then touring
