Theatre Centre’s Resident Writer, Debris Stevenson (co-adaptor of the RSC’s celebrated Cyrano de Bergerac) is on a mission to make work ‘exploring the intersectional, unexpected and unjust’. Inspired by her own experiences of growing up dyslexic alongside a brother branded a genius, her latest play delves into neurodivergence via a mixture of poetry, prose and grime, with an original soundtrack by MC and record producer, Jammz. Originally seed commissioned by the National Youth Theatre (NYT), My Brother’s a Genius has been developed into a full production through Theatre Centre’s Future Makers, and is currently touring UK schools and theatre in a co-production with Sheffield Theatres and NYT.
Directed by Theatre Centre’s Artistic Director, Eleanor Manners, the show centres on siblings, Daisy (Jess Senanayake) and Luke (Tyrese Walters). They may be twins but they’re anything but two peas in a pod. We meet them just as they’re heading off to secondary school, where they’re facing a surprise separation. Luke’s off to ‘genius school’ while Daisy’s stuck in ‘idiot school’. These polarising labels – which they affectionately use for each other – define their adolescence, as they each grapple with how to fly and what it means to fail.
It’s an extremely relatable production that explores different forms of neurodivergence, and the interplay with sibling rivalry. As we’re told at the start and end of the piece, this may be a work of fiction, but it’s also entirely true. The plot may be fantastical in places, but the feelings it evokes are very real. So many audience members will see themselves, or someone they know, in one (or more) of Daisy, Luke or even their mum.
While we’re explicitly told early on that Daisy is neurodivergent, it’s also apparent that the same is true of her sibling and probably at least one of their parents. Daisy has your classic sort of ‘naughty’ neurodivergence that schools and parents can’t help but notice, while Luke is the kind of high flyer who holds everything together and is easy to overlook.
What works especially well is the insight into Daisy’s mind. Stevenson’s writing brilliantly conveys the frustrations of dealing with ADHD and dyslexia in a world that rewards neurotypical behaviour. The grime soundtrack works brilliantly here, giving the audience a real sense of her racing mind and sensory overload. It also really hyped up the young audience in the performance we attended.
It’s harder to get a sense of Luke’s struggles, as he’s something of a closed book, but there are glimpses throughout, followed by a clearer slip of the mask towards the end. A particular highlight is the scene in which he and his mum discuss their mutual approach towards hugging.
Senanayake and Walters are engaging performers, both giving compelling portrayals of their core characters, as well as slipping seamlessly into peripheral roles, including their parents. They work well as a double act, particularly in the more comedic moments. Their energy is also impressive throughout the 65 minute (without interval) performance.
Overall, My Brother’s a Genius is an engaging and thought-provoking piece of work that offers a valuable safe space for young neurodivergent audiences to feel seen and heard.
My Brother’s a Genius played at National Youth Theatre from 19 to 21 March 2026 as part of a wider tour. All performances are relaxed, and a visual story guide is available for those who need it.
Image credit: Chris Saunders