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.
