If I could give this play 1 million stars, like the number in the list the protagonist creates, I would. Every Brilliant Thing is one of the most refreshing and original plays I've seen; it portrays mental health in its raw, unflinching self, while incorporating humour and audience interaction that bring this production's messages alive.
Written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe, and directed by Jeremy Herrin and Duncan Macmillan, Every Brilliant Thing is a story of a child's attempt to help ease their mum's depression by writing a list of everything that is 'brilliant' in the world. Essentially, all the things that make life worth living. The play takes us through their childhood, interactions with their parents and librarian, university, meeting their first love, and the struggles adulthood can bring. The list grows as they learn the importance of this list for not just their mum, but in their own life and those around them.
Every Brilliant Thing isn't a new production by any means; it was first presented by Paines Plough at Roundabout at Summerhall in 2014, and has since had audiences in over 80 countries worldwide, been adapted into a highly successful HBO film, and is now debuting in the West End. What makes its debut here so exciting is that five actors overall will star in this one-person production, starting with Lenny Henry, followed by Jonny Donahoe, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins, and Minnie Driver.
Lenny Henry, who is currently performing, is one of Britain's best-known television performers, as well as a writer and actor. He is also the co-founder and public face of Comic Relief and has helped be part of raising over £1 billion since 1985. Lenny Henry was truly phenomenal in his role. From the second he entered the stage, he had the audience captured and laughing straight away. He integrated humour so naturally, starting with the list. Audience members were given cards to read out when he shouted a number; this happened throughout various parts of the play, which really brought the significance of the list to life. The list included a mixture of relatable, funny, random, sad, and beautiful 'things'.
Audience members were a really integral part of the play; he picked people out to be his 'dad', 'girlfriend', 'lecturer', and 'librarian', and went back to them throughout the play. This brought the comedy and characters to life; you couldn't help but laugh at these interactions between Lenny Henry and the audience members, even in between the most emotional moments. Music was also used throughout to signify songs he was listening to or referred to on the list. Sound designer Tom Gibbons did a great job curating this. Towards the end, Lenny Henry even had us all up clapping and moving to a song with a disco ball!
But what truly makes this play a beautiful thing is the message behind it. How our experiences shape us and the struggles life can entail, but also how we cope with these, and how life is still full of little things that make it all worth living for. Mental health charity Samaritans is mentioned, as well as suicide facts, and the importance of therapy, which I strongly admire the writers and directors for including.
Every Brilliant Thing is beautifully refreshing. Yes, it is sad. Yes, it is an emotional whirlwind and will probably make you cry. But it is hilarious and an enjoyable watch. I believe it is unlike anything else out there. I urge you to go experience it for yourself.
Every Brilliant Thing is at @sohoplace until 8th November. Tickets: here.
Review: Cara-Louise Scott-Lapish Photos: Helen Murray