Ilford Boy

Ilford Boy is a funny and moving drama directed by Tim Sheader, the Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse, and set in 1990s East London. It is listed under stand-up and comedy.

The production follows Ted Martin, a mixed-race teenager growing up in a busy East London household in the 1990s. The home is described as loud and chaotic, with plenty of laughter alongside a blunt, tough kind of love that holds the family together. The story balances humour with a more serious look at family and identity.

The arrival of Patrick, whose strong sense of style, sense of humour and love of show tunes set him apart, disrupts Ted's routine. Patrick introduces him to a different way of living, one built around art, possibility and people who recognise him for who he is. Tim Sheader directs the piece, which is staged at the Donmar Warehouse, a London venue that hosts shows and concerts throughout the year. Those interested in the subject will find a character-led drama with comic moments and a focus on the people who shape Ted's life.