About the Show

Stephen Unwin's new play based on a true story about a mother uncovering a scandal at the heart of her son's preventable death.

On 4th July 2013, Connor Sparrowhawk - a young man with learning disabilities - was found dead in a specialist NHS unit. Connor had suffered an epileptic seizure while in the bath & had drowned.

His mum Sara can’t get a straight answer as to how Connor's entirely preventable death happened. But Sara and her family won’t stop asking questions, and soon uncover a scandal of neglect and indifference that goes beyond Connor’s death.

This stage adaptation of Sara Ryan’s book asks if society truly respects the lives and dignity of learning-disabled people.

Former Artistic Director of English Touring Theatre and the Rose Theatre Kingston, Stephen Unwin ('Farm Hall'), returns to Jermyn Street Theatre with the world premiere of this co-production with Theatre Royal Bath.

Critic Reviews (8)

"Sara Ryan’s 'Laughing Boy' is a bittersweet docu-play about brutal neglect and apathy."
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"...it reveals a moving story about love, laughter and the indomitability of one family’s fighting spirit."
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"Strong ensemble work highlights the plight of people with learning disabilities"
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"It is not a perfect piece of drama...some sections are a bit clunky, a bit overwrought"
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"...an act of representation and testimonial, even if it’s a flawed piece of drama."
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"...this moving, sentimental, often enraging story can feel sluggish and overstuffed"
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"an urgent look at our broken care system"
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"If indifference can kill, the play insists on recognising and championing individuality"
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Trailer

Creative team

Jermyn Street Theatre