A first look at three of the performers taking Every Brilliant Thing, by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, into London’s West End, have been released by the show’s producers. Step into the spotlight Lenny Henry, Jonny Donahoe and Ambika Mod.
Directed by Jeremy Herrin and Macmillan, Every Brilliant Thing was first presented at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014 as a one-person play, which went on to play in more than 80 countries worldwide. It was also adapted into a highly successful HBO film and now debuts in the West End at @sohoplace, performed by four exceptional actors. The season opens with Lenny Henry, who is followed in date order by co-creator and original performer, Jonny Donahoe, then Ambika Mod and finally, Sue Perkins.
The Story: You’re seven years old. Mum’s in hospital. Dad says she’s “done something stupid”. She finds it hard to be happy. You start a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for. You leave it on her pillow. You know she’s read it because she’s corrected your spelling.
What’s it about? A child attempts to ease their mother’s depression by creating a list of all the best things in the world. Through adulthood, as the list grows, they learn the deep significance it has on their own life. Every Brilliant Thing is a comedy about the lengths we will go for those we love.
Every Brilliant Thing, designed by Vicki Mortimer with lighting design by Jack Knowles and sound design by Tom Gibbons, is produced by Second Half Productions, Gavin Kalin Productions, Rodeo/Tilted, and Winkler & Smalberg, in association with Nica Burns and Paines Plough.
Every Brilliant Thing runs at @sohoplace from 1 August-27 September 2025. Tickets here.
