'Outstanding': Baroness Benjamin reviews 'Every Brilliant Thing'
Lenny Henry interacting with the audience in this monodrama featuring a rotating cast of stars | Image courtesy of: @sohoplace / Helen Murray
4 min read
With its novel approach to audience participation, allow yourself to be drawn in by this uplifting play and its moving portrayal of a child’s attempt to ease their mother’s depression
Few plays I have seen have taken such a novel approach to audience participation as perfectly as the uplifting Every Brilliant Thing, which allows us to take a look at the very serious and devastating effects of depression. This play by Duncan Macmillan, which has been performed in more than 80 countries, is not just about depression but a celebration of life. It’s a one-hander with rotating stars, including Jonny Donahoe, Sue Perkins, Ambika Mod and Minnie Driver, and is directed by Jeremy Herrin alongside Macmillan.
I was lucky enough to see a performance starring the indomitable Sir Lenny Henry who revels in the closeness of the audience, which the newly opened Soho Place theatre allows with its intimate circular stage. It feels more like an informal get together than a theatrical performance and there was a buzz in the auditorium as Lenny mingled with us before the play began. When he spotted me, he announced to the audience that he was one of my ‘Playschool Babies’.
Lenny Henry | Image courtesy of: @sohoplace / Helen Murray
Lenny is a master of communication and as soon as the play starts you are drawn into his world; that of a seven-year-old boy who wants to make his bipolar, suicidal mother happy. He does this by writing a list of things that he thinks will do the job. His love for her is heartfelt.
His mingling beforehand was for a purpose. He had given selected, unsuspecting members of the audience a cue card with a number and line to be read out when the number was called. Like the Ian Dury song, they are “reasons to be cheerful” – delicious ice-cream, falling in love, waffles.
I was totally engrossed in the story, so much so that I forgot about the number on the card he gave me… “575 what’s the line?” he repeated loudly. Startled I realised it was my cue... much to everyone’s amusement.
Several audience members also had roles to play to move the timeline along, which worked beautifully. From an innocent child to confused teenager to a compassionate adult.
There is much humour and music providing a crucial emotional way to deal with the sorrow and the absurdities of life. But over and over again we were reminded of the fact that “childhood lasts a lifetime” and of the damage unhappy childhood experiences can have on adults. How finding ways to cope is necessary.
Interestingly, psychologists and comedians themselves suggest that comedy can be a way of dealing with pain and trauma. Using humour to process negative emotions, difficult life experiences or a challenging upbringing can be a powerful coping mechanism.
So there is a serious side to the play – and that was when Lenny was at his best. A philosophical depth and thorough understanding overtook his presence. We were reminded that few of us go through life without suffering from depression. Suddenly there was a profound hush in the auditorium when he talked about suicide and its link to depression. I was shocked to learn that when a famous person takes their own life there is a spike in copycat suicides and how sensational press reporting can contribute to this.
There was a buzz in the auditorium as Lenny mingled with us before the play began
Lenny Henry (r) | Image courtesy of: @sohoplace / Helen Murray
The Online Safety Act is crucial in the fight to prevent and protect vulnerable young people from a whole range harms and trauma that can lead to depression and suicide. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which is going through the Lords at present, is also addressing these issues.
For 12 years I fought to prevent children from easily accessing online pornography, which can become addictive and can be a gateway to self-harm, depression and ultimately suicide. Horrifically, over 200 schoolchildren take their own lives each year.
When I speak to children in schools and colleges, I tell them that even in the presence of profound darkness, “every disappointment is an appointment with something better and to never give up – keep smiling”.
I left the theatre reassured, not just having watched a play, but having participated in an optimistic and hopeful experience, feeling a renewed sense of gratitude for the brilliant things that make life worthwhile.
Lenny’s performance was outstanding and entertaining but I would happily see the play again to witness how the other stars interpret this thought-provoking creation.
Baroness Benjamin is a Liberal Democrat peer
Every Brilliant Thing
Written by: Duncan Macmillan
Co-directed by: Jeremy Herrin and Duncan Macmillan
Venue: Soho Place, London W1; until 8 November
