Review: EVERY BRILLIANT THING (Lenny Henry), @sohoplace

Photo credit: Helen Murray

A decade ago, Every Brilliant Thing started its journey at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. After countless productions, performing in over 80 countries worldwide, it has finally made its way to the West End. This time, with five different actors on rotation for this one-person show. Or perhaps, in truth, it’s not a one-person show at all. Each night, we, the audience, are part of what creates the theatre magic on stage.

Every Brilliant Thing is a highly interactive one-person show about a seven-year-old kid starting a list of all the brilliant things in life. Written by Duncan Macmillan and originally performed by Jonny Donahoe, it explores mental health, depression and suicide with levity. The format of this highly interactive storytelling, which Macmillan described as writing a 75-minute stand-up-like show, works so well with this heavy topic; through the collective act of everyone contributing, we feel a little less alone. Every item on the list is deeply relatable, bringing the story closer to home, whether or not you’ve encountered these themes in your own life.

Directed by Jeremy Herrin and Duncan Macmillan, it’s refreshing to see a show rooted in fringe theatre stay true to its origins—offering the essence of an intimate fringe experience in the most wonderful way: a stripped-back set, loads of audience interactions, and improvisations. The way it is able to fulfil this vision on a West End stage, not trying to impress anyone with flashy set pieces or dazzle audiences with fancy costumes, but focusing on the storytelling, is truly remarkable. With beautiful writing and compelling performances, you really don’t need that much.

Upon entering the space, we are greeted with a big, warm smile from the star of the show tonight, Lenny Henry. He is mingling with the audience, welcoming everyone in, chatting with people, or “casting” his actors. A kind warning: if you get a number with an item on it, you'd better remember it and be prepared!!

Henry’s performance is nothing short of brilliant. He is charismatic, warm, and makes every audience interaction feel safe and reassuring. Yes, you can do this! He gives the audience their time to shine, but we know he is in control. He skillfully makes us breathe the same breath as him, effortlessly flipping our emotions over and over like a coin in his hands. With his comedy and stand-up background, he handles every unpredictable situation with grace and ease; you can tell he is thinking on his feet and having so much fun while doing it. All these unpredictable elements give the audience even more joy.

The stage, designed by Vicki Mortimer, has an in-the-round setup with a very minimal aesthetic. It is clean and efficient, allowing movement and imagination to happen; we can be absolutely anywhere and everywhere. The house is lit by Jack Knowles so you can see every audience member’s face, with accentuated moments throughout. The changes are subtle and effective, giving us a feeling of collectiveness. We were genuinely surprised by how clearly we could hear the audience members! Sure, it’s press night—there were clearly some hidden talents in the room. (Also, off topic: compliments to @sohoplace’s theatre design team!)

Throughout the performance, we noticed Henry bringing bits of himself into the list: his Jamaican heritage, food, and culture make us wonder what the other four actors might bring to the story. The loneliness of depression is warmly melted away by the collectivism of the audience. This was a story all of us co-created together this evening and I, personally, believe we’d all like to add to our list of brilliant things: a million and one, seeing Every Brilliant Thing.

**** Five stars

Reviewed by: Diana Feng

Every Brilliant Thing plays at London’s @sohoplace until 8 November, with further info here.