The Boy Who Talked to Dogs Media Quotes

Limelight Magazine 26 February 2021 Gordon Forester

“Ireland’s Bryan Burroughs delivers an extraordinary, powerful performance.”

4 out of 5 stars https://www.limelightmagazine.com.au/reviews/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-slingsby-state-theatre-company-south---festival/

InDaily 26 February 2021 Murray Bramwell

Burroughs’ outstanding performance is undoubtedly the core and the strength of this memorable and affecting work. He navigates the space, moving unerringly through the audience to each new section of Marty’s extraordinary story. In his shabby woollen vest and ragged jeans, he convinces us he is a vulnerable child. With his shaven head he is also an ageless penitent. When he faces the enormous shadow image of his inner snarling black dog, he has learned to become his own hero.

He talks to dogs, but he is also speaking to us. https://indaily.com.au/inreview/adelaide-festival/2021/02/26/festival-review-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs/

Collage Adelaide 26 February 2021 Milly Farmer

The fiery portrayal of Martin by Bryan Burroughs, heightened everything on stage: the spit, sweat, grime, and tears of a desperate and lost puppy, willing itself on to survive as the wolves circle in ever closer. Surrounding musicians Quincy Grant and Emma Luker, and narrator and songstress Victoria Falconer bolster Bryan’s performance, transforming from whimsical to hypnotic as the story progresses. The Boy Who Talks to Dogs is adventurous and uplifting, a tale that has to be witnessed to be believed.

4 out of 5 stars

https://collageadelaide.com/2021/02/26/adelaide-festival-2021-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs/

The Advertiser 26 February 2021 Patrick McDonald

Exquisite in every respect, this world premiere theatrical adaptation of outsider Martin McKenna’s memoir is as unconventionally delightful as the author himself…

…Once again, Slingsby artistic director Andy Packer has triumphed in fusing all these disparate elements together like some kind of theatrical alchemist, to create an entirely original experience which is equally engaging for adult and teenage audiences. https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/adelaide-festival/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-adelaide-festival-2021-review/news-story/e05578ce12d51c4644940d5a342be5ae

GlamAdelaide 26 February 2021 Ben Stefanoff

It’s not every day you can say you were one of the first to see a brand new piece of theatre. It is even more rare to say that what you witnessed was so close to perfect that it would leave you uncertain how to put your thoughts down on paper…

… I could go on and on praising this production, but you need to witness this show for yourself. The Boy Who Talked To Dogs has immense heart. In all the twists and turns of McKenna’s life, one thing he brings home time and time again is hope. No matter how dark and stormy your life may be, all it takes is for someone (or in McKenna’s case, some animal friends) to reach out, offer a helping hand and unconditional love, and you too will find peace. The storm will pass.

5 out of 5 stars. https://glamadelaide.com.au/festival-review-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs/

Theatre Travels 26 February 2021 Lisa Lanzi

The Boy Who Talks To Dogs is an event as much as a play and deserves a wide audience to experience this powerful, complex and sensitive production. https://www.theatretravels.org/post/review-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-at-the-thomas-edmond-opera-studio-goodwood

Adelaide Theatre Guide 26 February 2021 Lance Jones

It must be said from the very outset that this was one of the best pieces of theatre this reviewer has ever seen http://www.theatreguide.com.au/current_site/reviews/reviews_detail.php?ShowID=boydogs&ShowYear=2021

Hifi Way 27 February 2021 Richard De Pizzol

Bryan Burroughs as Martin is the lynchpin of this moving production adapted by Amy Conroy and masterfully directed by Andy Packer

4 out of 5 stars https://hifiway.live/2021/02/28/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-thomas-edmonds-opera-studio-adelaide-27-02-21/

Broadway World 26 February 2021 Barry Lenny

If there are still tickets available, don't waste time thinking about it, book straight away. https://www.broadwayworld.com/adelaide/article/BWW-Review-THE-BOY-WHO-TALKED-TO-DOGS-ADELAIDE-FESTIVAL-2021-at-Thomas-Edmonds-Opera-Studio-Adelaide-Showgrounds-20210226

Stage Whispers February 2021 Mark Wickett

‘What’s wrong with you?’ screams almost everyone in Marty’s life, but there’s little wrong with this wonderful piece of theatre from South Australia’s Slingsby and State Theatre Company. https://www.stagewhispers.com.au/reviews/boy-who-talked-dogs

The Barefoot Review February 2021

… this is one of those Festival experiences which will steal a permanent spot in the memory. https://www.thebarefootreview.com.au/menu/theatre/119-2014-adelaide-reviews/2133-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs.html

The Australian Financial Review 1 March 2021 Michael Bailey

Martin McKenna might be renowned for his ability to communicate with canines, but a new theatrical telling of his story is one that will speak to human hearts. https://www.afr.com/life-and-luxury/arts-and-culture/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-review-a-tail-wagging-triumph-20210301- p576ol

Australian Book Review 1 March 2021 Ben Brooker

…The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is anchored by a formidable performance, in this case that of Irish actor Burroughs as Martin https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/arts-update/101-arts-update/7537-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-adelaide-festival

Artshub 2 March 2021 Richard Watts

Slingsby, STCSA and their collaborators have made something magical here; a production that transmutes leaden, real-life misery into theatrical gold.

4 out of 5 stars https://www.artshub.com.au/festival/news-article/reviews/festivals/richard-watts/theatre-review-the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-slingsby-stcsa-adelaide-festival-261998

The Conversation 1 March 2021 William Peterson

The show’s chief strength is presenting this harrowing story with honesty. Martin emerges strong but not unscathed. While he finds strength and resilience among his canine companions, trauma cannot be magically overcome by the power of love.

…in presenting that story with honesty, charm, inventiveness and a spirit of play, Slingsby once again demonstrates its skill in holding up the most difficult of human experiences for scrutiny and understanding. https://theconversation.com/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-a-story-of-trauma-brought-to-the-stage-with-honesty-and-grace-156111

Stage Noise 4 March 2021 Diana Simmonds

Bryan Burroughs is a non-stop blaze of energy as Martin http://www.stagenoise.com/review/2021/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-af2021

Canberra Critics Circle 8 March 2021 Peter Wilkins

The Boy Who Talked to Dogs is an absolute delight and a show that will warm the hearts of young and old alike http://ccc-canberracriticscircle.blogspot.com/2021/03/the-boy-who-talked-to-dogs-adelaide.html\