The Little Big Things
“A life affirming musical that wheels its way into your heart”.
It’s very rare I go into a show knowing absolutely nothing about it. And so when the last minute opportunity to review a show I had never heard of came up, I jumped on it. And let me tell you, I’m so glad that I did.
The Little Big Things tells the true story of Henry Fraser, a 17 year old rugby enthusiast who’s life is changed forever after a freak accident on a summer holiday. In this show Henry is played by two incredibly talented actors, Jonny Amies who portrays Henry in his “pre-accident self” and Ed Larkin who plays Henry after his accident who requires the use of a wheelchair.
The piece plays around with there being two versions of a person, the old them and the new them and above anything it seemed this show was all about learning to be able to let go of the past and to be able to use it to strengthen your future. Both Jonny and Ed portrayed their interpretations of the character beautifully, and it really felt that they came together to make two halves of a whole.
A huge shoutout should go to Amy Trigg who plays Henry’s physiotherapist Agnes. For me Amy stole the show every time she appeared on stage, her lines were delivered with pitch perfect comedic timing.
All in all though this show was an incredible ensemble effort with every member of the team not only having their chance to shine, but able to help others shine too. Another stand out moment comes from legendary West End star Linzi Hateley who plays Henry’s mum. Her emotion fuelled song '1 to 17' which is delivered upon hearing her son will be paralyzed for life brought me to tears within seconds of the opening note.
Me being in tears was a constant theme throughout the piece, as it was rare there was a scene when a tear wasn’t running down my cheek. The credit for my leaky eyes must go to Nick Butcher and his utterly beautiful music that swelled, built and pulled at every single heartstring I have.
I truly adored this show and it is easily my favourite new musical this year. It’s a big, bright, inspirational story that leaves you both beaming and sobbing as you leave texting your friends to go and see it too.
This show was reviewed on the 15th September 2023. The Little Big Things run at soho place, London until the 25th November 2023. Tickets available here: The Little Big Things - A New Musical (sohoplace.org)
Review written by Chesney Fawkes-Porter
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Photo credit: Pamela Raith
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