Review: Every Brilliant Thing, Theatre by the Lake, Keswick

A brilliant life-affirming celebration of joy

Every Brilliant Thing by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe 

By Ken Powell

On paper, this sounds like a niche audience kind of thing. One man show, the story of growing up living with a suicidal mum, a childish list of things that bring joy that grows up with the character – this is definitely one of those ‘philosophical’ ones for the intimate studio theatre and an audience braced for profound emotion.

Yet here we were, in the main house, still set ‘in the round’ as it has been all season, with nothing but a trolley with an urn and a plate of biscuits all ready for a nice British cuppa. Indeed, later, some people did have some cups of tea from it.

Was the production thought-provoking? Yes.

Was it heavy? Not at all.

Andrew Turner plays the unnamed character who guides us through his life ‘with a little bit of help from the audience’. He comes across as a genuinely nice guy which is important because the character is exactly that too, and we have to like him if this production is to work. Luckily, from the moment he starts talking, he is warm and funny; the kind of person you could spend hours with just enjoying life.

And that’s just what this show turns out to be all about: the enjoyment of life. But the writers, Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe have managed to do this in a way which isn’t trite or glosses over the trauma of death and the loss of a loved one through suicide. We never forget what this boy has gone through, yet his joy – despite and in spite of that – exudes and the whole audience are taken with him.

The performance itself is powerful and might just be one of the most important productions Theatre by the Lake have ever put on. But there is also an astonishing exhibition that you are invited to be part of too. I can honestly say I have graffitied the walls of this beautiful theatre and done so in full view of the staff and with their blessing. We all did, continuing ‘the list’ of brilliant things. It was a special moment to write and to read the scribblings of others. Indeed, it was life-affirming.

I’ve been to many productions dealing with difficult or important social issues and reviewed a fair few, but I don’t think I’ve ever been to one so compelling and uplifting. This is a show for everyone, even if it is especially so for those who have gone through the trauma. If you are such a person, there are staff available who are comfortable with talking about suicide and there to sit with you; there is a breakout space too. Furthermore, after the show, you’re invited back to listen to a talk from someone has gone through the experience. When I went, it was well-known walker, Andy Airey, whose daughter took her own life. Andy has worked tirelessly to build awareness. His work is astonishing and has undoubtedly saved lives. A range of organisations are present and ready to give further information about their work.

So this is a safe place to go if suicide has affected your family; but it is also a wonderful, life-affirming show that is funny and just…brilliant – for everyone and in every way. If you don’t see it at Keswick, it is touring around various venues in Cumbria. You can find further information at here.

Every Brilliant Thing is showing at Theatre by the Lake until Saturday 23 September 2023. To find out more call the Box Office on 017687 74411 or visit www.theatrebythelake.com.