Review: EVERY BRILLIANT THING (Jonny Donahoe), @sohoplace
Photo credit: Danny Kaan
Every Brilliant Thing is about a list that starts with ice cream and becomes a catalogue of a million things that make life worth living. The narrator, played by Jonny Donahoe, one of the shows co-writers and original performer, starts this list when he is seven years old when his mum attempts to take her life for the first time. The list stays with him into adulthood as he navigates growing up and tackling mental health issues of his own. This show definitely comes with a trigger warning. There is deliberately no focus on the how or why of suicide but there is an exploration of the impact it can have on a person and especially those close to them. This is a show that will make you laugh and cry and seek to embrace the joys of life even when times seem grey.
A key part of the magic of this play is its universal appeal and unlimited capacity for different performers. Last night starred Jonny Donahoe but @sohoplace has also welcomed Lenny Henry, Sue Perkins, Ambika Mod and Minner Driver to lead this enchanting show. The programme tells us that co-writer and director Duncan Macmillan has worked closely with each performer to create a bespoke version of the already brilliant script, demonstrating that the role is not limited by age, gender, ethnicity or sexuality but enhanced by it. It feels particularly special to witness one of the co-creators and inaugural artist as many of their ‘brilliant things’ are on the list. The show had its first outing at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and has since been performed in 80 countries. This is sure to continue as each actor and audience put their spin on the material and the conversation about mental health remains as relevant as ever.
Every Brilliant Thing is a one person show but audience participation is central, as people are asked to shout out items from the list of brilliant things, which get progressively and hilariously more unusual and specific like “peeing in the sea” and “Christopher Walken’s voice”. Every actor is sure to bring an exceptional and unique performance and Jonny Donahoe’s is deeply vulnerable and utterly enchanting. His magnetic performance brings a warm and welcoming energy to the wonderful in-the-round venue of @sohoplace. Directed by Macmillan and Jeremy Herrin, the house lights remain up for much of the show as Donahoe bounces around the theatre encouraging every audience member to participate in any small way. This ranges from playing a vet, father or lecturer to dancing to Curtis Mayfield’s 'Move On Up'. Music is wonderfully weaved throughout the performance punctuating the story and enhancing the especially emotional moments.
Every Brilliant Thing tackles many difficult themes including grief, depression and suicide but, ultimately this is a play about humanity and the things we do for the people we love which is undoubtably an uplifting and life affirming theatrical experience.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Every Brilliant Thing plays at London’s @sohoplace until 8 November, with tickets available here.
