Rating: ★★★★★
Venue: Soho Place, London
Cast: Lenny Henry
Every Brilliant Thing is a play that tells the story of a child who decides to create a list of all the things that make life worth living to help their mother following her suicide attempt. Throughout their life and into adulthood, the list continues to grow as they learn more about themselves and have more life experiences. This is an impactful and powerful play that explores the lengths we will go to for those we love.
The words comedy and suicide don't often go together but Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe have created the perfect blend of sincerity and humour with Every Brilliant Thing. Every Brilliant Thing has been around for over a decade, performed in over 80 countries worldwide, made into a hit film, but somehow, this month marks its West End premiere. It's been a long time coming, and I can confirm it's worth every moment of anticipation.
In this one-hander play, there are five actors tackling the role over four months; Lenny Henry, Jonny Donahoe, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver. The production follows the story of a seven-year-old whose mother attempts to take her life. In an attempt to relieve her depression, the child decides to make "a list of all the things worth living for". The audience then follows the protagonist through the uncertainties of life; as their life progresses, they manage to achieve one million reasons to spark joy, and the list serves as a constant in the background throughout the piece.
Upon entering the theatre, our lead for the evening, Lenny Henry, is already interacting with audience members, already creating that connection needed for the remainder of the evening. Audience interaction plays a huge role in the production, and some audience members are chosen pre-show to be involved in the show with card prompts; whether this be a librarian that reminds our protagonist of the kindness of adults, a teacher that gives our protagonist an eye-opening realisation, or even their first love. With the audience playing such an integral role and being addressed throughout, there's something incredibly intimate about the atmosphere it creates.
I think one of the most striking aspects of this piece is the inability to establish what's part of the script and what's ad-lib. With the audience as heavily involved as they are, there's a myriad of opportunities where things could very easily go wrong, and the performer needs to be on the top of their game at every moment as no two shows will ever be the same. Improvisation is key, and Lenny Henry does this with ease.
It's difficult to explain just how brilliant Lenny Henry is in this role. He's the perfect blend of approachable and sincere, creating a bond between every audience member in a way I've never witnessed. Whether it be through eye contact, a wave, a smile, or directly addressing the audience, he makes every audience member feel seen...and that's no small feat. His wit and authenticity shine through in every moment and his improvisation is astounding. The play definitely requires an emotional connection to the performer and Henry is a master of his craft. He'll have you in tears of laughter one moment, and feeling choked up in the next.
The set and lighting are simplistic with very little use of props or lighting changes throughout. However, I think this is most effective as it creates the cosy and intimate atmosphere that a production like this requires, keeping you present in the moment at all times.
In a time where it can feel impossible to find a glimmer of hope in the world, Every Brilliant Thing offers it in abundance, reminding the audience to appreciate the smaller, less materialistic joys in life. It oozes sincerity and radiates joy, despite the heavy subject matter. This may just be the play of the year.
You can book tickets to Every Brilliant Thing, here.
**photo credit: Helen Murray**
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