The Hour

Neil Morrissey brings stage play Rain Man to Glasgow’s Theatre Royal and the Men Behaving Badly actor has gone to extra lengths to explore his character – the autistic Raymond Babbitt.

Based on the Oscar winning 1988 film starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, Rain Man tells the story of Charlie Babbitt, a self-centred Los Angeles-based car dealer and hustler who learns that his missing inheritance has been bequeathed to an autistic older brother. Discovering that his brother, Raymond, has an extraordinary talent for numbers, he takes him on a roller coaster journey to Las Vegas. Charlie’s single-minded quest for cash evolves into a life-changing experience.  

Morrissey’s character Babbitt earned Hoffman an Oscar, but the man who voiced Bob the Builder insists his performance on the stage is superior.

“I think I’m a lot better than Dustin Hoffman,” said Morrissey. “The funny thing is as well that if Dustin Hoffman sat on Tom Cruise’s shoulders he’d still only be able to knock me on the belt buckle.”

In order to fully appreciate the character, who is based on real life savant sufferer Kim Peek, Morrissey researched the condition.

“I went and did a lot of medical research first I wanted to find out what the condition meant and how it manifested itself.

“He was an autistic savant which is a rare form of autism where normally it is begun from some brain trauma, but they have massive abilities.

“They have amazing talents in some areas, but he can’t hang out socially, he can’t make eye contact, hates being touched. He’s a high functioning savant, but cant function in society.”

Starring alongside Morrissey is Coronation Street’s Charles Lawson who plays Dr. Breuner.

Lawson, who played Jim MacDonald on the soap, talked of his transition to the boards:  “It’s completely different. I had a good time on Corrie and the cheques are bigger as Neil will tell you.

“This is a great piece to be in because it’s short, funny, it’s sad. Also I’ve only got 20 minutes so it’s easy for me.”

He added: “It’s a great night out and you’re in the pub for quarter to ten.”

Rain Man is currently playing at Glasgow’s Theatre Royal from November 16-21.