Fringe review: EVERY BRILLIANT THING, ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Every Brilliant Thing, written by Duncan Macmillan and co-written with its original star Jonny Donahoe, is back for its tenth anniversary, and it remains as poignant and powerful as ever. This inventive play about depression has truly earned its place as a Fringe classic.
The show begins with a flurry of activity, as the audience is drawn into the experience from the outset. People are given numbered cards, assigned roles, and are even asked to change seats, all while Donahoe moves frantically around the space. The jazz music playing in the background creates the sensation that we're all part of a grand orchestra, with Donahoe as our unassuming maestro.
And then, just like that, we are transported to a pivotal moment: a seven-year-old boy in a hospital waiting room, driven by the need to start a list of everything brilliant about the world. The writing and delivery here are equally stunning, capturing the innocence and heartbreaking earnestness of a child trying to make sense of the world. Donahoe's portrayal of a conversation between the boy and his father, where the child persistently asks "why" over and over, is both touching and profoundly relatable.
The play's use of audience interaction adds layers of humour and spontaneity to the performance. Donahoe's ability to adapt to the unpredictable contributions from the audience only heightens the sense of connection and immediacy. These moments of levity are perfectly balanced with the deeper themes, making the play both entertaining and deeply moving.
Some plays resonate with specific audiences due to their content, style, or themes, but Every Brilliant Thing is one of those rare gems that everyone should see. It’s a play that reminds us of the small, everyday joys that make life worth living, and it leaves the audience with a renewed sense of gratitude for simply being alive that lingers long after the final applause.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O
Every Brilliant Thing plays at ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall until 24 Aug, with further info here.