Veronica’s Score: 4 stars
“Holy f*ck I needed that!” came from one half of a couple walking ahead of me post-show as we left the Belvoir auditorium. He was right.
In the 72 hours since I saw Every Brilliant Thing, I have felt quite buoyed by the play’s affirmation of the vital life force around us and the possibilities of kindness. It is really a lovely little gem and, in this reboot, performed by one of our most lovable actors, Steve Rodgers.
Beginning its life as a short story by Englishman Duncan Macmillan, it then premiered at a British fringe festival as a one-man show co-penned and performed by another Brit, comedian Jonny Donahoe. A possible synopsis of the play might say it is about a middle-aged man recounting a list he began at age seven for his suicidal mother about what makes life worth living. But it is more than that.
The magical list indeed begins with what might appeal to a child growing up in a western country. Taking the number one spot is ice cream, then water fights followed by staying up past bedtime and being able to watch TV (which I would have ranked higher than the other two). It makes perfect sense that beneath the apparent whimsy of the list is a narrator trying to comprehend something very dark and complex. In the course of his maturation to adulthood, he is naturally desperate to make connections with others. And so, the audience is enlisted, and our participation becomes more than an artful take on the monologue show.
I know many of us prefer to sit in anonymity at the theatre but let me assure you this is deftly handled by Rodgers and his co-director Kate Champion. In the audience holding our cards ready to call out our offering to the list – mine was number 700 “Bed” – we are also substituting for those valuable people who help kids like our narrator make it to the other side. We are, in fact, contributing to this story. Some of the audience also play minor characters, and Rodgers makes this singularly easy for everyone.
While initially a vehicle for a male performer, Every Brilliant Thing, which has travelled far and wide, has also frequently being performed by a woman. Last year, Kate Mulvany, appeared briefly in the role on the same stage and I’m sure her uncommon warmth would have added much to the experience for the audience. It seems the play is nearly always staged in the round, with no set embellishment. Here at the centre of the space, Rodgers, it must be said, fits the role like a glove or sock puppet. (You’ll understand if you see the show) If I knew nothing beforehand, I could have easily assumed Rodgers was acting out his own story. He is, in my opinion, one of our best actors.
There is a lot of choices out there right now with the Sydney Festival in full swing, but this work is truly something special. I recommend you see it.
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now
9 – 26 January 2020
Venue: Belvoir: Upstairs Theatre
Theatre Company: Belvoir
Duration: Approx. 1 hour and 15 mins, no interval
Tuesday 6.30pm
Wednesday 6.30pm
Thursday 1pm & 7.30pm
Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 5pm
Thursday Matinee
1pm, 9 January
1pm, 16 January
1pm, 23 January
Currently available through subscription only. See table below for individual ticket prices when they become available
Unwaged
1pm, 9 January
Previews
1pm, 9 January
7.30pm, 10 January
By Written by Duncan Macmillan
with Jonny Donahoe
You asked for it, and it’s back.
Hosted beautifully by Steve Rodgers, the hit of 2019, about a boy’s list of things that make life worth living, builds hope and joy – with the audience’s help – every night.
A warm, deeply-felt show that garnered awards and applause, Every Brilliant Thing returns for a limited season.
Truth, done simply, is magic on the Belvoir stage, and if ever a show was true… if you missed it here’s your second chance. – Eamon Flack, Artistic Director
★★★★1/2 “Brilliant” – The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★1/2 “Beautiful… one you won’t soon forget” – Limelight
Warning: This production contains references to self-harm and suicide.
If Every Brilliant Thing raises any concerns for you following the performance, Lifeline offers a 24 hour counselling service and can be reached at 13 11 14. Additional information can be found on their website, www.lifeline.org.au. Other services which may be of assistance include mental health advocacy organisation, Beyond Blue (www.beyondblue.org.au, 1300 224 636), and youth mental health foundation, Headspace (www.headspace.org.au). You may also consider speaking to a trusted source or engaging your local GP.
