Rain Man at The Nuffield Theatre, Southampton

A really good way to spend a Monday evening is by going to the theatre. On this particular Monday I was invited by Nuffield Southampton Theatre to watch Rain Man*. This stage adaption of the famous 1988 Oscar winning film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman is currently touring the UK and from the 4th-9th March is in Southampton.

The play follows the story of the two Babbitt brothers Raymond and Charlie. Charlie played by Chris Fountain is the younger brother, a brash and abrasive salesman who learns that his father has bequeathed his multi-million pound fortune in trust to Charlie's older brother Raymond.

Raymond (played here tonight by Adam Lilley) is the opposite of Charlie. A gifted autistic who lives in an institution, he is 'borrowed' by his younger brother Charlie. The play follows the two brothers trip across America as Charlie hatches a plan to get his share of the fortune but along the way discovers the true value of Raymond.

It's a been a while since I've seen the film so I was hopeful I wouldn't be making comparisons between the two. I needn't have worried etc. After a few minutes in I had forgotten all about the film versions of the characters.

The two lead roles played by Chris Fountain and Adam Lilley were outstanding. By the interval I was beginning to dislike the character of Charlie, by the end he had me nearly in tears with some laughs along the way.

Adam Lilley's portrayal of Raymond in particular was touching, heartbreaking and uplifting in equal measure. The scene where Charlie teaches him how to dance, I think I was holding my breath the whole time. If you see it, you'll understand.

At the end, the cast received a thoroughly deserved standing ovation, if you get a chance to see it, you definitely should. I thought that after seeing this, I'd probably watch the film again, but now I don't want to - I'd prefer to remember this version instead.

The original film was set in the 80's and scene changes were accompanied by classics from that era (seriously, my whole childhood was re-lived in the music alone).

Rain Man is the premiere production in a brand new series from Bill Kenwright under the banner Classic Screen to Stage. Having previously adapted The Exorcist, A Few Good men and The Shawshank Redemption, I can't wait to see what comes next.

*Tickets were gifted for the purpose of this review

Thanks for reading

Cathy
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