There was much buzz at Duncan Macmillan’s Every Brilliant Thing at Soho Place. Minnie Driver was set to take to the stage in this esteemed one-person show. But while I knew roughly how the play would pan out – that we, the audience, would be involved – I didn’t know quite how central we would be. It was hopeful, heartfelt, and unlike anything I’d seen before.
Dubbed ‘the funniest show about depression,’ Every Brilliant Thing opens with a child learning of their mother’s first suicide attempt. At seven, and unsure how to cope, they begin a list of ‘every brilliant thing’ in the world to help cheer their mother up, beginning with one: ice cream. As they grow, our character grapples with mental health struggles of their own and continues to add to the list. We see them through their teenage years, into university, and even their first relationship.
It could be overly sentimental, especially with increasing awareness of mental health. Yet Macmillan and co-writer Jonny Donahue dodge this with one key ingredient – audience participation. (some unsuspecting) audience members are enlisted not only to call out items from the ‘every brilliant thing’ list, but to act as the secondary characters. There’s Dad, the school librarian turned counsellor Mrs Patterson, a cowboy-obsessed lecturer, partner Sam, and even the vet putting beloved dog ‘Sherlock Bones’ down.
The charm of the play lies in its demand for spontaneity. Each participant has no choice but to follow Driver’s direction in the moment, regardless of how prepared they feel. The best part is that we have no exact idea of how each interaction will twist and turn. This creates some hilarious moments, while allowing for poignancy too. The audience felt warm and accepting, in this moment together, cheering each other on.
I, of course, have to mention Minnie Driver in all of this. It is a feat to command the attention of a deceptively small room of people and she does it tenderly. The show feels safe in her hands, and her confidence shows in the lack of set or flashy costume. We are left to be solely swept along by the story.
Every Brilliant Thing defies expectations and its unique concept creates a rare moment of connection among the audience. I’m so glad it found its home in the West End and I’m sure it will continue to delight audiences across the world in future.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
