Thomas isn’t an ordinary 9-year-old – he can see the extraordinary. Things other people don’t seem to see. Canals bursting with tropical fish, hailstorms in summer, plagues of hopping frogs. He draws them all in his book, The Book of Everything. And in that book he also writes a promise to himself:
For his stern and serious-minded Papa, the only books that matter are about God. Thomas’ young misunderstandings are met with punishment instead of laughter. But when Papa attacks Thomas’ beloved Mamma, he has definitely gone too far. Even angels weep.
And there’s more to Thomas’ Everything – he befriends the startling Mrs van Amersfoort and meets Eliza, a beautiful girl with a creaky leather leg. A good-humoured Jesus even occasionally drops in for a chat.
A magical story for young and old – of a child who learns what to do when he’s most afraid, and how to face the wrong in the world.
I love this show to bits. It’s about courage and togetherness. If you saw Neil Armfield’s beautiful, life-affirming production a generation ago (well, in theatre-years), you’ll want to read this Book again. And if you haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat. Some of the old cast are back, and there’s some fresh new faces too. Eamon Flack
Playing till September 20
belvoir.com.au
