Part monologue, part stand-up, part immersive play, “Every Brilliant Thing” tells the story of a list penned by our protagonist since age seven to convince her mother that life is still worth living. As the lead grows older, she adds more mature and nuanced items that become a map of her own existence; her teenage years, her time at university, falling in love with her husband. Started as a love letter to her mother, the list becomes a life-affirming project that allows the protagonist to connect with other people and herself.
Since its first Edinburgh Fringe run in 2014, “Every Brilliant Thing” ingeniously relies on audience participation to bring the story to life. This production, co-directed by the writer Duncan Macmillan (who originally co-wrote the play with actor Jonny Donahoe) and Jeremy Herrin, takes full advantage of the "in-the-round" staging at Soho Place to break the fourth wall. The house lights stay on, and the audience can freely interact with the actor on stage, who each night casts different people as the characters in the protagonist’s life; each performance is singularly shaped by genuine, unrehearsed moments of human connection. It’s a truly remarkable night of live theatre.
Ambika Mod is perfectly cast in this role. Quick on her feet, the brilliant actress and comedian leads the audience as a skilful choir master, with wit, warmth and vulnerability, seamlessly mixing improvisation and scripted performance. This piece really needs an open beating heart at its centre and Mod fearlessly delivers.
Vicki Mortimer set is wisely minimal and the stage is beautifully lit by Jack Knowles. Tom Gibbons' sound design plays a special role in the piece as the protagonist names several music references.
I highly recommend seeing this play not because of the obvious importance of its sensitive themes, but because it’s a truly unique theatre piece whose humanity cannot be put into words. It has to be experienced. It’s a welcome break from our screens and a reminder of the power of storytelling and in-real-life connections. In the current online society, that’s worth a lot.
“Every Brilliant Thing” is at Soho Place until 8th November – Ambika Mod will play her last performance on 26Th September. Tickets: here.
Review: Francesco Pagnoncelli Photo: Danny Kaan