Every Brilliant Thing is a story about hope and joy… it’s funny, heartwarming and charming all in one. It’s not your typical story. First written by Duncan Macmillan and performed 10 years ago by Jonny Donahoe, it has been a massive success on stages all over the World and in 2016 was turned into a movie starring Jonny Donahoe and Tobey Maguire.
It has a central character who at an early age finds out there mum isn’t happy and has ended up in hospital after attempting suicide. Their mum has depression and is sad so they decides to write a list of everything brilliant in the world worth living for. They shares this with their mum and then as they grow older they keep on adding to the list. As they grow older the things they list changes.
There’s a love of vinyl records, lists, brilliant things, love itself, sock puppets, music and life. It does talk about depression and suicide but don’t let that be a barrier to you coming to see it, it’s so life affirming and joyful.
Directed by Theatre by the Lake Artistic Director Liz Stevenson, this is a vital production told with warmth. Liz recently directed The Beauty Queen of Leenane and Home I’m Darling here at Theatre by the Lake. Set in the round and from Fri 8 to Sat 23 September this honest, uplifting and very funny play about mental health, resilience and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love is one not to miss.
Theatre by the Lake presents
Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe Starring Andrew Turner
Fri 8 - Sat 23 September | 7.30pm; with 2pm matinees on selected dates
Access show on Fri 22 Sep 7.30pm
★★★★ “The funniest play you’ll see about depression” Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
Live at Theatre by the Lake (Main House) Tickets from £12 Suitable for age 14+
Performance: The show lasts one hour, followed by a post-show discussion that will be different for every performance, from special guest talks to performances by local artists; Andy Airey (3 Dads Walking), Julie Hesmondhalgh (BAFTA nominated actor, activist and writer), Emma McGordon (multi-award winning spoken-word artist from Whitehaven) and Stefan Escreet (director, actor and radio producer). This is a chance for you to continue the conversation with us over a drink! There’s also an interactive exhibition inspired by the show and we'd love you to contribute what your 'brilliant thing' is either when you visit or online. Head to our website for more details.
In Cumbria, there is a 50% higher suicide rate than the national average (Office of National Statistics). For this production Theatre by the Lake is being supported by Cumbrian suicide prevention and suicide bereavement support charity Every Life Matters, national suicide prevention charity for young people PAPYRUS, and men’s suicide prevention charity Andy’s Man Club.
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