“Every Brilliant Thing” by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe
Nottingham Lace Market Theatre

Here is another play that I had not seen before, and new little about, but boy what a cracker it is.

I would love to tell you so much about this play but would really urge you to get a ticket to experience this production for yourself to get the full effect of the story and presentation.

This is quite an unusual play, and that in itself makes this play one to watch. Christopher Collins plays the part of Chris, and is the narrator of the story. It’s one of those stories that highlights something we still find difficult to talk about, depression, and how it affects people around you, but it’s also very funny, optimistic and uplifting. It takes us back to when Chris – the character – was seven years old and his mum was in the hospital.

All Chris knows is what he has been told by his dad, that his mum has “done something stupid” and that she finds it hard to be happy. Chris decides to make a list of things that he feels is brilliant about the world. Everything worth living for. His list, as a seven year old, consists of things like ice cream, water fights, roller-coasters, people falling over and staying up after his bedtime to watch TV. The list continues throughout his life as he adds to it endlessly

It’s a production that will hit home to anyone who has had to deal with any level of depression and how people combat depression, but also does it in such a way that we find ourselves laughing at the issues it brings up. It’s possibly one of the most humorous plays about depression that I’ve seen.

The play is an immersive piece of theatre which would not work without the acknowledgement of the audience.

Chris Collins is one of those actors who now and again really surprises me with his layers of talent, and he knows what I mean by that statement, and this play shows his supreme confidence in what he does.

It can highlight vulnerability, especially when you’re the only one in the spotlight, and that way you rely on yourself; you’ve nowhere to hide and no one to depend on should anything go wrong, which it doesn't, and that shows what a confident and brave actor Chris is.

It also shows that Chris can do comedy and has a quick mind, as he controls the show as well as the audience. It also shows his power of memory.

Directed by Jane Herring and Linda Croston, they put their faith in Chris with sections of this play, and it is a faith well invested. It has a lovely steady pace and the comedy is well defined.

Music plays a large part in the play as well. It is used to bring back memories for Chris - the character - and features in the list, so will be vital to the story. Gareth Morris is responsible for the Sound Design for this piece.

The play was debuted at the 2014 Edinburgh Fringe Festival by the writers and you can see why this was such a success at an event like the Fringe. After experiencing this gentle comedy, with its' clever and really lovely script, I can see why it's so beloved by people who have seen it.

Tuesday and Wednesday shows were sold out, and it won't surprise me if the shows up to its' close will also sell out, so please go and see this brilliant play.

“Every Brilliant Thing” is at the Nottingham Lace Market Theatre until Saturday 28 September 2019