Lenny Henry in Every Brilliant Thing [Helen Murray]

FIRST presented at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014, this acclaimed solo show, written by Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe, has played in more than 80 countries and now arrives in the West End, performed by five rotating actors.

A blend of theatre and stand-up, Every Brilliant Thing explores mental health, love, resilience, and finding joy in the everyday. The season opens with Lenny Henry at the helm, an affable presence who quickly builds a rapport with the audience.

The story is deceptively simple. A seven-year-old child learns their mum is in hospital, but doesn’t know why – Dad says she’s done something stupid and finds it hard to be happy. The child begins a list of everything brilliant in the world, everything worth living for, and leaves it on her pillow.

As the child grows into adulthood, their awareness of depression deepens, along with the list of things they love, from ice-cream to music. Gradually, they understand the impact depression has on their own life.

What makes Every Brilliant Thing special is how the audience is central to the experience. The show relies on interaction – willing members call out items from the list or take on supporting roles such as a teacher, vet, the father and a partner. This is pre-arranged, as the audience takes their seats, so that no one feels intimidated.

This collective participation underlines the universality of the subject – most of us have felt vulnerable or been touched by depression at some point, and we each respond differently.

Co-directors Jeremy Herrin and Macmillan keep the pace rattling along, ensuring this upbeat, feelgood production never feels mawkish.

The star-studded rotating cast – Jonny Donahoe (co-creator and original performer), Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver – is clearly designed to entice audiences back for more.

Until September 27
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