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08 Aug 2025, 15:15

Lennie Henry presents Every Brilliant Thing in London

  • The play about depression has become a cult hit since its premiere.
  • Lennie Henry plays the lead role in the new production.
  • Audiences are actively engaged in the performance, which emphasizes the interactivity of the show.

In the play Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan, which was first staged in 2013, it tells the story of a child who, after trying to commit suicide, creates a list of things worth living for. The list includes simple pleasures, such as waffles, ice cream, and the smell of rain. This monologue has become cult, performed in over 80 countries, and now it debuts in the West End, at the Soho Place theatre, with Lennie Henry in the lead role.

Henry actively interacts with the audience, inviting viewers to read points from the list. However, critics note that the atmosphere sometimes feels strained, and Henry's improvisations can deviate from the essence of the play. At times, when he talks about the importance of mental health, his performance becomes more concentrated and reflective.

The play offers a safe space for discussing complex themes, such as depression, with humor and warmth. Every Brilliant Thing has received positive reactions from audiences, which attests to its relevance even a decade after the first production.

The show will run until November 8 at Soho Place, London.

Tags: Culture

Articles on this topic:

  • www.theguardian.com - Every Brilliant Thing review – Lenny Henry gets audience on board for list of life’s joys
  • www.independent.co.uk - Every Brilliant Thing review — Lenny Henry is lighthearted in beloved off-the-cuff solo comedy about suicide