Every Brilliant Thing
Cremorne Theatre Qpac
The intimate and poignant play, Every Brilliant Thing, comes to QPAC’s Cremorne Theatre direct from the UK, running from Wednesday 8 – Saturday 11 March.
British actor, James Rowland, will move and delight audiences with a role which has earned him several awards and nominations, including New York’s Drama Desk Award. Every Brilliant Thing puts the spotlight on the topic of depression and tells the story of a six year-old whose mum is in hospital, with his dad (Rowland) telling him that she’s “done something stupid”. Rowland is the sole performer on stage.
The boy’s mother has obviously tried to harm herself and the boy makes a list of everything that’s brilliant about the world, i.e. things that are worth living for. They include ice cream, laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose, and “me”.
The play reminds us of the joy found in the smaller things in life, and is described as heart-wrenching and yet hilarious. The Guardian UK said about it, “One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression – and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop.”
The play is written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, and directed by George Perrin. It’s presented by Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre Company. James Rowland has performed in theatre, radio and TV, and won The Origins award at the 2016 Vault Festival in his debut storytelling performance, Team Viking, in London and Edinburgh.
Need to know – Every Brilliant Thing is recommended for 12 years and over. Themes of mental illness and self-harm.
By Vicki Englund
QPAC is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com
Cremorne Theatre, QPAC
Melbourne St
Cnr Grey St
South Brisbane
Mar 8-11
$49 + trans fee
136 246
