The Little Big Things at the Soho Place

The little and big moments in life are as important as each other and this show really drives this message home. From breathtaking scenes to heartfelt conversations and storylines, this truly is a show not to be missed and since it is now being uploaded to National Theatre at Home, I cannot recommend enough that you watch this show. It truly is something everyone should see at least once. Going in with some awareness of this show and its spectacular imagery did not affect my appearance and I was still blown away by the amazing scenes and the incredible levels of inclusivity that this show boasts and promotes.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

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My Review:

Another new show for me with The Little Big Things, going in I had a vague idea about the show but still went in fairly unaware, and all I can say is this show completely blew me away. One thing I absolutely adored about this show was its inclusivity with its diverse casting and BSL-incorporated choreography, which I have only seen in this show and Fantastically Great Women, but is something that I love so much as it truly showcases the beauty of inclusivity. This is a truly heart-warming show with power in both visuals and story that should be watched by all. The show begins with Never Coming Home, which is used to introduce the Fraser family to the audience in a fun and engaging song. Feel Like This is a beautiful song performed by Jonny Aimies as Young Henry Fraser that focuses on the beauty of life and starts to suggest what is going to happen during this show. One to Seventeen starts after the major turning point of the show and is able to brilliantly demonstrate the emotions of Henry's mother upon hearing the news as she reflects on the past and what the future may hold, serving as a heartbreakingly beautiful moment of raw emotion from Linzi Hateley. Work of Heart as a healthcare student was an amazingly personal experience which made me feel even more pride for my future profession. The cheers from everyone in the crowd made this moment even more special, truly showing what the NHS means to people, this uplifting song was incredibly led by Rebecca Bowden as Dr Graham. Part of the Plan is an eye-opening song that truly pushes home the message that you cannot plan for everything as life can be unexpected and is led by Amy Trigg as Agnes which leads into Uma Vida being an incredibly fun flashback that once again drives home how quickly life can change and throw us off our planned course, whilst also giving an insight into the events leading up to the accident as the two Henry's start to try to open up to each other whilst Young Henry tries to remain secretive. Why is performed by Ed Larkin, showing the psychological effects of a massive life change as Henry tries to come to terms with his situation following the accident and is a moving and insightful moment which shows him trying to persuade his younger self to open up so that he can start to move onto his future. Don't Wanna Have To is perfectly performed by Cleve September as Will, Jamie Chatterton as Tom and Jordan Benjamin as Dom and begins to show the effect of the accident on other members of the Fraser family as they come to terms with what happened to their brother. The World is Waiting is led by Gracie McGonigal as Katie and continues to show the influence of the accident on other people, but also highlights how family, friends and others form a community of support in times of need, which is a beautiful sentiment. What I Need once again shows the power of community as it follows the Fraser family as they await Henry's return home and is an uplifting moment of hope and love in this beautiful show. Silence of the Sea is the moment when Young Henry opens up about the accident and is an incredibly powerful moment perfectly carried by the talent of Jonny Amies featuring beautiful visuals. Things We Shouldn't Do is another uplifting and upbeat moment that shows one thing does not have to change everything even if it feels like your life ends in the moment which was shown to be Henry's original mindset and we are beginning to see this mindset change as Young Henry's outlook on his future starts to change and improve. Sympathy is a powerful moment that shows the new pressures on the Fraser brothers as well as the blame they have put on themselves, their different responses and how this impacts each other. Brilliantly led by Jordan Benjamin alongside Cleve September and Jamie Chatterton. Miles and Miles is wonderfully performed by Stephen John Davis as Andrew Fraser, as the audience's first uninterrupted insight into this character, this is another incredibly heartwarming moment in the show that is also visually beautiful as is all of this show. Guide You is a duet between the Two Henry's which shows Henry finally being able to separate from his pre-accident younger self and shows him grow into his future. This moment utilises projections and the entire set to create a beautiful visual moment alongside the impactful song. The Little Big Things is the final song of the show and perfectly ends the show whilst driving home the message that small acts can have big impacts on people which is a beautiful sentiment for this show which encapsulates the power of a community coming together in times of hardship and is something that I will carry with me.

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Content Warnings:

The theatre has its own displayed content warnings sign which gives a time stamp and the song name for when three loud bangs will occur in order to help people who may struggle with loud, sudden noises. This is something I have not seen before, and I can definitely see the benefits of including time stamps and the song name to give people a rough guide of when something may occur. The theatre's content warning was as follows:

Please note this production contains flashing lights, haze, sudden loud noises and some strong language.

In Act 2, there are three loud bands during the song Guide You, this is approximately 48 minutes into the act.

The possible additional trigger I noted whilst watching this show is that there are moments of implied suicide which can feel difficult to watch.

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Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer