Review: RAIN MAN, Theatre Royal, Glasgow
Smooth talking salesman Charlie Babbitt is selfish and money obsessed. When Charlie's estranged father dies he leaves his $3 million fortune to an unnamed beneficiary- a brother that Charlie didn't know existed.
Raymond Babbitt lives in a residential home as his high functioning autism has meant that medical professionals don't think he is capable of living on his own. Due to cast illness, Adam Lilley plays the role of Raymond for this performance. It is difficult to imagine anybody else being more suited to the role as Lilley captures the character perfectly. Raymond needs routine and rituals and gets distressed if those are disrupted. He also has remarkable abilities such as a perfect memory and a head for numbers.
Chris Fountain plays Charlie who initially an unlikeable character that wants to exploit his disabled brother for money but you warm to him as the play develops. The pair portray the relationship between the brothers beautifully and it is a joy to watch.
I'm most likely in the minority of the audience but I haven't seen the 1988 film of the same name that this production is based on. I'm not sure if not having anything to compare it to is why I enjoyed it so much. Although I believe the film is set against a road trip backdrop, I found the story and relationships between the brothers to be so compelling that it didn't need any fancy set pieces.
A wonderful, heartfelt story is at the centre of this stage adaptation of Rain Man and it is supported by a strong cast. I would thoroughly recommend catching this show while on tour!
Rain Man is at the Theatre Royal, Glasgow until Saturday 30th March.
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