Acclaimed writer of the RSC’s Cyrano de Bergerac and the Royal Court’s Poet in da Corner and Theatre Centre Resident Writer, Debris Stevenson presents a new play, My Brother’s a Genius. This new production examines learning to fall, fail and find ways to fly, expressed through poetry, music and movement. The story centres on twins Daisy and Luke, who are navigating life in a high-rise estate, where their ambitions and self-doubt start to collide. Exploring neurodivergence, sibling rivalry and the weight of expectations, the play explores whether the twins’ bond and shared dreams will launch them up together or crash them apart.
In this two-hander, Debris’ lyrical writing blends poetry and grime to create immediacy and accessibility, capturing the intensity and emotion of young people’s experiences. The production is directed by Theatre Centre’s Artistic Director Eleanor Manners, with an original soundtrack and sound design from MC and record producer Jammz.
Alongside Manners and Jammz in the creative team are designer Erin C Guan, lighting designer Jess Brigham, movement associate Emily Corless and production manager Herbe Walmsley.
Award-winning theatre maker and poet Jess Senanayake plays Daisy, whilst Luke is played by London-based stage and screen actor Tyrese Walters.
My Brother’s a Genius has been developed into a full production through Theatre Centre’s Future Makers process, which enables conversations with young people in schools and community groups across the UK. It has been commissioned for full production by Theatre Centre from an initial National Youth Theatre (NYT) seed commission, and is co-produced with Sheffield Theatres and National Youth Theatre.
The production opens at Sheffield Theatres’ Tanya Moiseiwitsch Playhouse on 28 January 2026 where it runs until 14 February 2026, before touring to the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, Leeds Playhouse, National Youth Theatre in London and Country Mall, Crawley.