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Venue 26: Roundabout at Summerhall
A heartwarming, interactive gem that masterfully blends humour and emotion, making it an uplifting and deeply engaging theatrical experience.Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
Having seen Every Brilliant Thing twice before in Mumbai, performed by talented and well-renowned theatre group QTP, I was thrilled to finally catch the production by its creators Paines Plough at the Edinburgh Fringe. This play, written by Duncan Macmillan and performed by Jonny Donahoe, has always held a special place in my heart. QTP’s production was deeply moving, and I was eager to experience the magic of the original team, especially within the intimate setting of the Summerhall Roundabout.
Ten years on from its debut, Every Brilliant Thing remains a poignant and life-affirming piece of theatre. Donahoe’s portrayal of the unnamed protagonist is as engaging and heartfelt as ever, drawing the audience into a deeply personal story of love, loss, and the small joys that make life worth living. The play’s setup is simple yet powerful: it revolves around a list of “every brilliant thing” in the world, compiled by a young boy in an attempt to lift his mother out of her depression. From ice cream and rollercoasters to the joy of laughing so hard you snort, the list is both a lifeline for the boy and a gentle reminder of life’s beauty for the audience.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this production is its ability to create an inclusive, safe space for the spectators. The play doesn’t just invite participation; it requires it. Before the show even begins, Donahoe moves through the crowd, handing out slips of paper, each containing an item from the list. These moments of interaction set the tone for what’s to come, easing the audience into the idea that they are not just observers, but active participants in the story.
In my case, I was given the role of Sam, the love interest of the protagonist, which was an unexpected and delightful experience. Donahoe’s guidance made stepping into this role feel natural and fun, and it was fascinating to see how each audience member brought something unique to their part, adding layers of authenticity to the performance. The way Donahoe seamlessly integrates these interactions into the narrative is nothing short of masterful, encouraging even the most reserved audience members to feel comfortable and valued.
The play’s format, combining monologue with audience interaction, is brilliantly suited to the in-the-round setting of the Roundabout. The circular stage brings a sense of intimacy and immediacy to the performance, inviting the audience to feel as though they are part of a shared, communal experience. Donahoe’s ability to connect with each individual in the audience is truly remarkable, and it’s this connection that makes the play so emotionally resonant.
While Every Brilliant Thing is filled with humour and warmth, it doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of life. The play touches on themes of mental illness, loss, and the struggle to find happiness, but it does so with a lightness of touch that never feels overwhelming. Instead, it’s a celebration of resilience, of finding joy in the small things, and of the importance of human connection.
For anyone who has ever struggled to find hope in difficult times, Every Brilliant Thing is a must-see. It’s a play that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on the little things that make life so special. Seeing it at the Fringe was a truly memorable experience, and I left the theatre with a renewed appreciation for the power of storytelling and the simple brilliance of this show.
Written and Directed by: Duncan Macmillan
Produced by: Paines Plough and Second Half Productions
This show has now completed its run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Further information about Pains Plough is available here.
