Optimism in the face of a stark reality with 'Every Brilliant Thing' @ SohoPlace Theatre

TW: This review discusses depression and suicide. 

For @sohoplace theatre, Every Brilliant Thing fits right in.  

The play, which tells the coming-of-age story of a young child experiencing depression through the eyes of their mother, is hearty, funny and captivating. It also encourages firm audience participation in the most delightful of ways. 

Credit: Helen Murray

Created by Duncan Macmillan (People, Places and Things) with a co-writing credit from original performer, Jonny Donahoe, this is the play’s first time gracing a West End stage and in the round delivers the best viewing and interacting experience, for those who wish to participate, of course. 

I’m approached by Henry before the play starts and asked to sit in the front row, then I’m asked if I’m wearing socks and if I know two jokes (I don’t have time to Google two jokes before it’s lights down so I only deliver one and then frantically ask the rest of the audience to assist me with another). 

Macmillan’s work is known for tackling the difficult parts of societal conversation and this play is no different. The audience grows up with Henry as we uncover a difficult home life, a mother suffering from depression and a father who seems to not be coping all that well.

Henry leans on teachers and music in his youth and decides that after his Mum makes an attempt at taking her own life, the best way to keep her with them is to create a list of things that bring joy. 

Credit: Helen Murray

We’re taken on a journey with the character, he’s young, vulnerable and endearingly optimistic. Henry plays him delicately as a child, though he is good at breaking the fourth wall, cheekily to interact with the audience. Asking them to speak louder when prompted or teasing them about their participation. But he slips into the role easily, the language isn’t simplified but it’s like we’re with a young person, whose understanding of the world is still quite black and white, no grey to be found. 

As we grow with him, Henry’s tone becomes serious, reflective and there’s a depth required to carry this one-hander over the line. He handles the subject matter with great care for Macmillan’s work, but still interjects his own personality, riffing off the audience seamlessly and tapping into inside jokes created from earlier in the evening. 

Overall, there’s an endearing optimism throughout the pain, and I’m excited to hear how other creatives tackle this heavy gauntlet that Henry has laid on the stage.  

Every Brilliant Thing will be staged by the following creatives - 

Ambika Mod 2-26 Sept

Sue Perkins 4-27 Sept

Lenny Henry 29 Sept - 8 Oct

Jonny Donahoe 9-11 Oct

Minnie Driver 13 Oct - 8 Nov