REVIEW: JOY at Gerry’s at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Joy (Imogen Roberts) wants to have a normal life and enjoy her independence like everyone else. Since she was born, her father John (Danny Scheinmann) and her sister Mary (Rachael Bright) did everything to shelter her from those who could take advantage of her goodwill, but the time to fly the nest is now rightfully approaching. Like other people around her, Joy wants to hang out with her friends, have her own house and get married to her boyfriend Paul (Deen Hallisey), but her family finds it hard to let her go.

In this sweet and inspiring coming of age play written by Stephanie Martin, a young girl with Down's syndrome claims her right to have an adult life, an academic career, a job, read romantic novels and join an art club.

"Disability is a shit word," writes Joy in a letter to her father. "I’m not using it anymore. So, I’ve decided, I am not a pet. I am just me. And I love being me."

Full cast for the world première production of Stephanie Martin’s JOY at Theatre Royal Stratford East

Clamour Theatre Company today announces the full cast for the world première production of Stephanie Martin’s Joy. A coming of age story about a young woman with Down’s syndrome, exploring family, friendship, control and freedom, performed by a company of seven featuring three actors with learning disabilities. A play to expose the limitations placed upon those with learning disabilities and, more importantly to celebrate and demand the right of everyone to have the life they want. Imogen Roberts who will lead the company in the role of Joy and, making their professional stage debuts, are Deen Hallissey in the role of Paul and Stephanie Newman as Mabel. Joining them on stage will be Rachael Bright (Mary), Kate Lynn Evans (Sue), EJ Martin (Maud) and Danny Scheinnman (John). The production opens in Gerry’s Studio at Theatre Royal Stratford East on 26 October, with previews from 24 October, and runs until 4 November.

“I’m so bored of people telling me what to do. I’m okay on my own. Everyone wants to wrap me up and tell me what to do and how to feel. I’m either a pet or I’m ignored. You know how people look at me in the street. Or don’t look at me. You know what I hate the most? I open my mouth to say something and before I’ve even said anything I can see people ready to say “no”, to shake their heads. Disability is a shit word, I’m not using it anymore. So, I’ve decided, I am not a pet. I am just me. And I love being me.”