A HEARTWARMING tale, Rain Main explores the coming together of two brothers who seem an unlikely pair.

Set in the 1980s, this production is inspired by the Oscar-winning film starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman.

The play begins with the brash and uptight Charlie Babbitt, played by Chris Fountain (Hollyoaks, Coronation street), who is running his own business – very frantically. The rush of speech can be confusing at times, but you do realise why Charlie Babbitt is such a confident and self-centred salesman.

Chris has a wonderfully consistent American accent throughout. His subtle changes in body language and tone, calming down his whole demeanour, make you slowly warm to Charlie towards the end of the play.

Charlie soon realises, after his dad’s death, that the majority of his father’s fortune has been left to Raymond Babbitt– a brother he didn’t know he had.

Raymond, played by understudy Adam Lilley, was placed into an institution for most of his life, after the boy’s mother died. He is extremely clever and can count and read quicker than anyone else. Yet, he is autistic and struggles to cope with the changes that everyday life brings.

Adam does a fantastic job of portraying someone with Autism. His constant movements and body language shows us how much he struggles with social interaction and changes to his daily routine. His breaks of character when mimicking TV programs are brilliant.

Charlie ‘borrows’ Raymond from the institution, in an attempt to rightfully gain his half of the money. Discovering that Raymond is easily agitated and becoming annoyed with his constant Abbott and Costello act, Charlie realises that this could be harder than he thought.

Raymond’s movements throughout the play are almost mimicked by the frantic nature of Charlie. This fast-paced movement of the characters highlights their struggle – Charlie is desperate to get the money and save his business and Raymond just wants to be back with his books and his routine.

Charlie soon learns what makes Raymond happy and finally manages to win over his heart with a wonderfully touching dancing scene.

These heart-warming moments are combined with a touch of comedy that keeps the performance alive.

If you fancy going to see this adaptation of the iconic American comedy-drama, then you can book tickets by visiting www.theplayhouse.co.uk or calling 01934 645544.