Review: EVERY BRILLIANT THING (Ambika Mod), @sohoplace
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Every Brilliant Thing is just that, a brilliant thing. Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, the play is hilarious, relatable and incredibly touching. The one person show shares the life of the narrator from seven years old to adulthood as they look for the answer to where we find our happiness. As the narrator grows, so does the complexity of their answers to what the brilliant things are in life. Over a decade on from its initial open as a full length play at the Edinburgh Fringe, Every Brilliant Thing still resonates deeply with its audiences.
From the moment the production begins it is clear that the audience are being treated to something special. Ambika Mod, the show’s narrator at this performance, is a charismatic force of nature who easily holds the audience in the palm of her hand for the full 85-minute run time. Her innate connection with the text makes the show feel personal and unique, especially with her improvisational style woven seamlessly into the script. Her performance commands the intimate space of @sohoplace and creates a sense of unity amongst the audience.
The successful use of audience participation integrated into the piece keeps the play light hearted whilst dealing with themes of loss, mental health and grief. While the application of this technique may seem daunting to audience members, it is an essential element of this play and done with remarkable skill. The universal themes, combined with the audience being such a large part of the storytelling, forges a powerful sense of shared experience.
Jack Knowles’ inclusive lighting design keeps the audience immersed as part of the play for the whole production. The sound, by Tom Gibbons, helps to give an extra depth to the narrator aiding in them feel multidimensional and human. The successful nature of this production is a credit to the efforts of the whole creative team involved. Each element of production is perfectly crafted yet natural. High praise must be given to the collaborative efforts of Duncan Macmillan and Jeremy Herrin, whose joint direction of this piece is captivating.
@sohoplace’s decision to have the part rotate between five wildly talented actors has done well in drawing in West End crowds and in imparting the key message of the play’s relatability to all, regardless of age or background. During this run, the part will be played by any of Lenny Henry, Jonny Donahoe, Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver dependant on which night of performance one goes too.
Every Brilliant Thing is a remarkable piece of theatre that reminds us of the ability that stories have to connect and inspire. An absolute must see for West End theatregoers.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Amelia Griffiths
Every Brilliant Thing plays at London’s @sohoplace until 8 November, with tickets available here.
