Brilliant Adventures

Synopsis

A small council flat in Middlesbrough, cluttered with books, DVDs, and a makeshift time machine

Luke, a 19-year-old with a stutter and a brilliant mind, is the protagonist in Alistair McDowall’s gripping and surreal play “Brilliant Adventures.” Set in a small, cluttered council flat in Middlesbrough, the play explores themes of poverty, ambition, and the intersection of genius and madness. Luke has created a time machine in his flat, a secret that attracts the dangerous attention of his brother Rob, local criminals, and a mysterious man named Ben. As the characters interact, the narrative unfolds in a mix of dark humor, tension, and bursts of violence, reflecting the harsh realities of their environment and the fantastical possibilities of Luke’s invention.

The play delves into themes of family loyalty, ambition, and the ethical dilemmas of scientific discovery. It is a drama with elements of dark comedy and science fiction, structured in a non-linear narrative that captures the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the characters’ lives. The setting of Luke’s flat, filled with books, DVDs, and his makeshift time machine, serves as a microcosm of his mind and the volatile world he inhabits.