Every Brilliant Thing | Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe | Directed by Andrea Ainsworth
From ‘water fights’ to ‘the smell of old books’ the one-person show is about a child who devises the titular list to cheer up their mother who suffers from depression.
The wise and witty examination of crippling depression and the effect it has on family members takes on a whole new resonance in an ever-changing world that has left people feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This uplifting theatrical experience, where people can come together safely, provides an important antidote for the January blues.
Written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe in 2013 and with elements of audience interaction, every performance is unique – making it the perfect show to return to again and again. Directed by the Abbey Theatre’s Andrea Ainsworth and performed by Amy Conroy, Every Brilliant Thing is infused with a sense of childlike fun and wonder, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
the funniest play you’ll see about depression
The Guardian
This play is about finding hope and falling in love with life. While serious elements are addressed with some heart-breaking moments, it is a joyful, moving celebration of the light and dark of life.
Although it is a one-person show, participation from the audience will be sought in a variety of ways. The interaction of the cast member and the audience is what makes the production so special. It’s an often heart-breaking story about the importance of family and the lengths we go to for the ones we love, Every Brilliant Thing will open on Friday 4th February for 2 nights.
Title: Every Brilliant Thing
Date: Fri 4th and Sat 5th Feb 2022
Tickets: €22 & €20 conc.
Doors: 7:30pm
Starts: 8pm
Running time: 60 minutes
Start your new year with a play about all the things worth living for.
Amy Conroy stars in this new production of Duncan Macmillan’s worldwide smash Every Brilliant Thing
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 to make a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world.
1. Ice cream.
2. Water fights.
3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV.
4. The colour yellow.
The list keeps growing with you.
31. Birdsong.
1010. Reading something which articulates exactly how you feel but lacked the words to express yourself
1092. Conversation.
Jump in and be part of the creative experience as the audience help tell this poignant and hilarious story. Talking honestly and compassionately about mental health, Every Brilliant Thing is an hour of uplifting humour.
Company
Narrator: Amy Conroy
Writer: Duncan Macmillian
Director: Andrea Ainsworth
Costume Design: Donna Geraghty
Lighting Design: Suzie Cummins
Sound Design: Carl Kennedy
Every Brilliant Thing was first produced by Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre, on 28 June 2013 at Ludlow Fringe Festival.’
We made this!