National Autistic Society helps 'Rain Man' open in West End

This week sees the opening of the theatre adaptation of ‘Rain Man’ at the Apollo Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue and the National Autistic Society (NAS), has been extensively involved in the development of the production.

The NAS, the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism, was approached a few months ago to offer feedback on the script as production company Nica Burns productions was very keen that the portrayal of autism was accurate.

The director and assistant director also visited the NAS service in Godalming, Surrey, where they met a range of people with autism and their parents who were able to share with them their views on the film and the condition.

NAS staff also attended rehearsals and worked with actors Adam Godley and Josh Hartnett to help them better understand what it may feel like to have autism or live with someone who has the condition.

Caroline Hattersley, head of information, advice and advocacy was one of the staff involved. She explained: “For many people, the film of ‘Rain Man’ was where they gained their first knowledge of autism, so we are very excited to be so involved in this production and we’re delighted that they were so keen to represent autism accurately.

“A lot has changed in our knowledge of this serious, lifelong condition in the 20 years since the film was released. We now have much more knowledge about autism and how people can be supported to live more independently.

“One thing we are keen to emphasise is that savant skills like Raymond’s are exceptionally rare. Although there is no doubt the Rain Man film put autism in the public mind for the first time, we hope that this new stage production will give us the opportunity to discuss more about how autism affects people in different ways and what further support is needed”.