THEATRE REVIEW: Every Brilliant Thing is as funny as it is thoughtful
CW: This review and play contains mentions of suicide and depression.
Simply put, Every Brilliant Thing lives up to its name. Already an international sensation, this is a stirring comedy about the darkest parts of the world that will leave you with a smile and light heart despite its heavy content.
The first thing to know about Every Brilliant Thing is that it is a truly communal experience. Performed in the round with copious audience participation, Luke Hewitt narrates his (unnamed) character’s experiences with his mother’s numerous suicide attempts, bringing the crowd along for the rollercoaster ride. Despite fairly simplistic production choices, Hewitt performs with a tenacity and humanity that keeps the whole play engaging.
Yes, this play does get heavy. It doesn’t shy away from how truly bleak living with depression can be, for both the sufferer and those in their ambit. It doesn’t sound like the makings of a comedy, but this is a truly uproarious piece of theatre. The message shines through with Hewitt’s character’s list of every brilliant thing in the world that makes the world worthwhile that he builds on throughout his lifetime. The list narrows in on the minute details of life that make things bearable, from ice cream to inappropriate choices of songs in emotional moments.
It is these details that make this the remarkable piece of theatre it is, and reminds you that choosing life is always worthwhile. This is life affirming theatre in the truest sense of the phrase.
Don’t suffer alone. Lifeline: 13 11 14