Every Brilliant Thing

When I knew I would be seeing the one act play "Every Brilliant Thing," I thought I would be watching a comedy, perhaps a collection of humorous situations. However, my expectations were quickly challenged as while the script certainly had moments of laugh aloud comedy, it became clear that the performance had much more to its narrative than what I expected. Beneath the laughter, the production offered a thought-provoking exploration of important topics such as mental health, love, family, and a broader reflection on life itself.

Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahue and directed by the multi talented Neil Brogan-Brown, "Every Brilliant Thing" is a one-man play with a running time of around 70 minutes, presented without an interval. The performance takes the form of a monologue, although it is not stuck to a rigid structure, in this production it was delivered with distinction by Chris Boyle, who brought a believability and a relaxed confidence to the role. Chris’s demeanour came across as approachable and friendly and his poise was particularly evident in the way he handled unexpected moments, reacting skilfully with full control while maintaining the flow of the piece, all through the performance.

The play was staged in the intimate studio theatre which was just the right venue for this type of production, with the audience seated on three sides, allowing the narrator to interact closely and easily with them. The narrative unfolds in a way that feels autobiographical, although the central character never reveals his name. He addresses the audience directly, sharing his journey through his life, starting with his mother's suicide attempt when he was seven years old. In response to this traumatic event, the narrator starts to compile a list of “brilliant” things, small joys and pleasures that make life worth living, in an effort to help his mother recover. This growing list becomes the central thread of the play, while also serving as the foundation for a unique form of audience participation. At several points, the narrator calls out a number from his list, prompting an audience member to read aloud the corresponding item. For example, item number one is ‘ice cream.’ These contributions are arranged before the performance begins: as audience members enter and find their seats, some are given cards with a number and a word written on them. Importantly, these participants are genuine members of the audience, not actors planted in advance.

As the play progresses, the narrator moves from childhood to adolescence, through university, and into adulthood. Along the way, the list of brilliant things he began as a child continues to grow, reappearing at key moments in his life.At the same time, he begins to question whether the list can truly help those closest to him. He wonders if it can support his emotionally unpredictable mother or reach his more reserved father, who rarely expresses his feelings.These reflections also turn inward. The narrator starts to consider whether he may be vulnerable to the same depression that affects his mother, and what that possibility might mean for his own relationships. "Every Brilliant Thing" demonstrates a clear and admirable commitment to addressing sensitive issues. The script recognises how media portrays suicide where the subject can inadvertently be glorified, and the play fosters patterns and connections, such as the recurring theme of his father listening to music on vinyl and examines the meaning and the context of such actions, which invites the audience to relate through familiar experiences.

In addition to the list callouts, several audience members are invited to participate in the performance. They temporarily assume roles including the father, a college professor, an empathetic school librarian, and the narrator’s girlfriend later his wife. This interactive element at times places “volunteers” (using the word loosely) in humorous situations, resulting in laughter from the audience, on the night I visited these participants threw themselves into their roles and some of the most touching moments arose from the way they embrace the opportunity, contributing to the warmth of the production and the understanding of a situation even though some of the subject matter could be seen as heartbreaking.

The involvement of the audience is more than mere entertainment; it serves as a lesson about the importance of listening and being attentive, both in performance and in everyday life. This attentiveness sustains the energy and engagement of the play throughout its single 70-minute act. Furthermore, audience members are encouraged to remain after the show for a drink and to share their own brilliant things, adding to the communal spirit.

The set design was very minimalistic but the stage area included arranged cardboard boxes that provided a backdrop for the performance area. The production utilised a handful of props, with sound operated by Mel Meadows and lighting by Paul Carr, enhancing the overall atmosphere and experience.

Through its thoughtful exploration of sensitive topics, the production invited viewers to engage deeply with the subject matter and encouraged the audience to examine these issues in a meaningful and insightful way, prompting reflection and understanding."Every Brilliant Thing" emphasised the necessity of being open when discussing mental health, however such conversations should be approached with care, compassion, and helpfulness, by doing so, we can foster a supportive environment for ourselves and others. The interactive elements and the candid narrative fostered an environment where personal introspection and empathy were at the forefront, helping the audience to gain a greater awareness of the challenges surrounding mental health. Another key takeaway from the performance was the reminder that even during our darkest moments, there are brilliant things in life worth recognising and appreciating. The show underscored the value of hope and the significance of finding positivity amidst challenges, despite the subject matter this was a very enjoyable yet educating experience, thank you.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.