There is a growing trend in London theatre for pieces of work that require a revolving roster of guest performers. White Rabbit Red Rabbit was a hit at Soho Place last year, as was An Oak Tree at the Young Vic this spring. Every Brilliant Thing, which premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014 and has since gone on to extensive international success, offers a juicy quintet of actors for its three-month West End run: Lenny Henry to start, followed by original performer (and co-creator, alongside playwright Duncan Macmillan) Jonny Donahoe, Sue Perkins, Ambika Mod and, finally, Minnie Driver.
In a programme note, Macmillan drolly but aptly describes the piece as a “one-person comedy about suicidal depression with audience participation”. With the increased national focus on mental health since the work’s premiere a decade ago, I expect its themes to resonate even more fully and richly now and for spectators to appreciate its emphasis on the importance of connection and community, as opposed to the debilitating isolationist impulses of depression.
Henry, wearing a jauntily patterned and cheerfully coloured shirt, bounces into the in-the-round performance space – this 360-degree setting perfectly underscores the theme of togetherness – and sets the evening swiftly in motion. He is a seven-year-old boy whose taciturn dad informs him that “Mum has hurt herself because she’s sad”. Understandably unable to grasp the full import of this, the boy sets about compiling a “list of everything brilliant about the world, everything worth living for”.
And this is where we come in. Ushers hand out cards printed with various list items to certain audience members and it is our job to read them out when Henry calls the number (stay alert: tardy reactions elicit a good-natured scolding). My card read “761. Deciding you’re not too old to climb trees”, and I mercifully responded just in time. You see, the young boy grows up, navigates his mother’s second suicide attempt 10 years later and continues to compile the list when he goes to university. Thus “ice cream”, the very first item in the ranking, is joined years later by “sex”.
square ARTS Rosamund Pike is a force of nature in Inter Alia
Read More
Jeremy Herrin’s appealing production plays to Henry’s many strengths – twinkling with joy and mischief, he exudes an affable affinity with the audience from the get-go. This rapport is all-important, as we are integral to the action in a way that goes far beyond reading out cards. Spectators are called upon to play a panoply of supporting roles, from kindly librarian Mrs Patterson, whose sock puppet was such a comfort to the confused seven-year-old, to university girlfriend Sam.
Our fellow spectators, with all their quirks and idiosyncrasies, are delightful in their contributions – and the warmly inclusive ambience means we laugh with, rather than at, them. Occasional ad libs only add to the merriment: when someone can’t read what is required, a pair of glasses is swiftly crowd-sourced and Henry borrows them, too. “It’s like Specsavers here,” he quips.
This is a brilliant addition, in the optimum venue, to the West End landscape.
To 8 November, Soho Place, London (sohoplace.org)
Hence then, the article about lenny henry twinkles with joy and mischief in every brilliant thing was published today ( ) and is available on inews ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Lenny Henry twinkles with joy and mischief in Every Brilliant Thing )
Also on site :
- “They didn’t have a clue”: ICE agents struggle to answer questions about warrantless arrests in Colorado
- Target Just Dropped Cozy Sweatshirts Inspired by a Cult-Favorite Romantasy Book Series
- 1968 ‘Magnetic’ Classic Was a No. 1 Hit 58 Years Ago Today