THIS is the wonderful follow-up to Up Down Boy, the powerfully moving and thought-provoking play about a young man with Down’s syndrome.

First produced in 2010, Up Down Boy toured nationally and internationally, including London’s National Theatre.

This hugely enjoyable sequel, written and directed by Brendan Murray, features Matty Butler ten years on, as a 29-year-old man.

Matty still has no job, struggles with language, but has developed a love of foxes, badgers ... and dancing.

His mother has recently died, leaving his Dad to cope alone with his Down’s syndrome son, who talks to his Mum’s ashes and still wants to attend his parents’ cancelled anniversary party. To his Dad’s chagrin, Matty is also gay.

This creative production includes live music by the versatile Kieran Buckeridge and atmospheric overhead projections.

As Matty Butler, Nathan Bessell is again compellingly mesmeric. As his Dad, Vic Llewellyn conveys the doubts, hopes and fears of a loving father and recent widower.

A neat and effective device is having Matty’s late mother on stage, Heather Williams commenting and humorously interjecting, her final moving monologue searingly revealing.

This truthful, heart-breaking, gently amusing production received a standing ovation from a clearly very affected Salisbury audience.

The excellent Myrtle Theatre Company combined with Salisbury Playhouse has produced another innovative show, creating a meaningful new play about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people.

Up Down Man runs until March 12, matinees Thursdays and Saturdays.

Brendan McCusker