Jonny Donahoe’s return to Every Brilliant Thing at SohoPlace is a theatrical event that feels both intimate and monumental. This one-person play, written by Duncan Macmillan with Donahoe, is a poignant, funny and deeply human exploration of mental health, resilience and the small joys that make life worth living.
First staged at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014 by Paines Plough, Every Brilliant Thing quickly became a global phenomenon, touring across the globe and inspiring a celebrated HBO adaptation. Now, in a unique West End season featuring five rotating performers, Donahoe steps back into the role he originated, and it fits him like a glove.
The story begins with a seven-year-old boy whose mother is hospitalised after a suicide attempt. In an effort to help her, he starts a list of everything brilliant in the world. From ice cream to staying up past your bedtime, the list grows as he does, becoming a lifeline not just for his mother, but for himself.
Donahoe’s performance is magnificent. His command of the room is effortless, his timing impeccable, and his emotional range astonishing. It’s unsurprising given his history with the piece, but seeing him inhabit it once more feels like a privilege. He brings a warmth and sincerity that makes the audience feel not like spectators, but participants in something profoundly shared.
Indeed, this production thrives on audience interaction, and it’s clear that a great deal of care goes into selecting participants before the show begins. The result is a collective experience, at times, it feels more like a conversation than a performance – one filled with laughter, empathy and reflection.
SohoPlace proves to be the perfect venue. Its in-the-round staging and intimate atmosphere amplify the sense of connection, allowing Donahoe’s storytelling to resonate with every corner of the room. The design by Vicki Mortimer is understated, letting the words and emotions take centre stage, while Jack Knowles’ lighting and Tom Gibbons’ sound design subtly enhance the mood without distraction.
What makes Every Brilliant Thing so affecting is its ability to tackle difficult themes; depression, suicide, and grief, from a refreshingly different angle. It never wallows, but instead uplifts, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found.
This production is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring brilliance of a groundbreaking piece of theatre. Donahoe’s return is a triumph, and Every Brilliant Thing remains one of the most vital and life-affirming shows you’ll ever see.
