Cartoonopolis: a true story of family, love and autism
Event details
Funny, moving, and powerfully real: Cartoonopolis arrives straight from the Edinburgh Fringe to take you inside the vivid world of autism and the family who lives it with love and hope.
Cartoonopolis is a powerhouse one-man play from actor-writer Lewis Bray, who brings to life an entire family and the vivid world of his autistic brother with breathtaking skill, humour, and heart. In 70 minutes of high-energy, multi-character storytelling, Bray takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster that is by turns hilarious, moving, and deeply authentic.
Two brothers, one family; goodies, baddies and autism. Lewis tells the story of his brother Jack. Jack is autistic and on the cusp of his 18th birthday. Cartoonopolis, his make-believe world, is a rest from reality, but back in the real world he and his family prepare for change, navigating overstretched services and a system not fit for purpose.
A love letter to family and resilience, Cartoonopolis offers a rare and eye-opening glimpse into the challenges of living with autism, while celebrating imagination, joy, and unconditional love.
Storyhouse Members: £14.40
Non-members: £16 (each ticket is subject to a £1.50 booking fee)
Young Storyhouse/Kaleidoscope Members: £10
Running time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Age guideline: 14+ (guideline)
Content Warnings
Strong Language
Depiction of an autistic meltdown
Discussion of autism diagnosis
Discussion of neglect and mistreatment of disabled people
Integrated Audio Description
Audio description has been built into the script to make this production accessible to visually impaired audiences. You can expect integrated action description, set description and audio that has been designed to enable you to read some of the action through sound.
★★★★★ “A heart-touching story” — Theatre and Arts Reviews
★★★★ “As awe-inspiring, energetic, morally nourishing, sad and downright funny as theatre should ever aspire to be” — The Skinny
★★★★ “A wonderful tribute to the power of love and the commitment of one extraordinary, ordinary Merseyside family.” — Liverpool Echo
★★★★★“One of the most exceptional plays crowds are likely to see this year.” — Liverpool Sound and Vision
★★★★★“An incredible talent” — Edinburgh Fringesider
MUST SEE SHOW: “A touching, feel-good story in the hands of a phenomenal actor… left the theatre full of hope.” — What the Fringe
Creative Team
Created and Performed by Lewis Ian Bray
Director Chris Tomlinson
Associate Director Matt Rutter
Producer Cordelia Stevenson
Lighting Design Charly Dunford
Sound Design Ellie Isherwood
Production Management Nikita Bala
Stage Management Kaila Sharples
Access Support Rachel Barry
Relighter Nathan Storm
Integrated AD Consultant Mandy Redvers-Rowe
Supported by Arts Council England, Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse, RAWD and Storyhouse