Review: Every Brilliant Thing, Soho Place

Sir Lenny Henry provides a masterclass in audience connection, belly laughs, emotional themes and tearful reflection. Every Brilliant Thing is the ultimate group therapy session with options to engage, participate, celebrate, mourn and, perhaps, recalibrate our own priorities.

This one act, one person show is artfully written by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donohoe. Since the show’s momentous start at EdFringe in 2014, it has touched people in 80 countries and currently has an extensive run, and its West End debut, in the round at SohoPlace. Its rotating cast, beyond Henry (who performs 1-30 Aug and 29 Sep-8 Oct), comprises Donohoe, Sue Perkins, Ambika Mod and Minnie Driver.

Across the run, Every Brilliant Thing allows each cast member to deliver the intentions of the original show with their own spin, personal additions and nuanced delivery. Henry is outstanding. We join a seven-year-old attempting to understand their mother’s depression and her wish to take her own life. The youngster seeks to navigate the chasm of a household of music, unspoken sadness and the burden of poor mental health upon everyone in proximity. The child seeks to remedy the situation by capturing individual ‘brilliant things’ to share with their mother, highlighting seemingly inconsequential observations that contribute to life, living and purpose. This begins with small notes, before eventually increasing to extensive lists, ultimately capturing nuances of living life and appreciating brilliance in non-material things.

As the audience enters the round, we are greeted by Henry, with smiles, waves, reseating and charming interactions that engage, enthuse and welcome us. His wit, charm and humour commits everyone to his thrall; encouraging laughter, sombre reflection and memories. His delivery has both structure and improvisation, engaging with the audience and responding to their attitudes and contributions. We watch as Henry explores the auditorium, seeking individuals who may be willing to ‘play’ without knowing what might be asked of us. Refusal is greeted with grace; he simply seeks others who are more comfortable to explore. As an audience member, invited to participate, I was touched by the compelling interplay of emotions as Henry transitioned through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. He carries playfulness, naivety and innocence into understanding and sharing of some of the many complexities of mental health, revealing the impact across individuals, families and communities. His mastery of the audience had us laughing, cheering, singing and sombre, whilst his characterisation and depth of expression, movement and stillness was utterly captivating.

There’s so much more to say, and even more to experience. Every Brilliant Thing is a salve to the challenges of our global society and a heartfelt call for thoughtful conversation and compassionate understanding for one another. This is a show that touches the soul and leaves an indelible embrace, beautifully written, artfully told. I’m now intrigued to see how each of the cast delivers their astonishing series of life lessons. Unforgettable.

Written by: Duncan MacMillan, with Jonny Donahoe
Directed by: Jeremy Herrin & Duncan MacMillan
Set & Costume Design by: Vicki Mortimer
Lighting Design by: Jack Knowles
Sound Design by: Tom Gibbons

Every Brilliant Thing runs at SohoPlace with a rotating cast until Saturday 8 November.