The Little Big Things - @sohoplace / NT At Home

I saw Henry but hadn't realised his entire family were there.

Nica Burns was in as well. 

For a first preview this musical is in extremely good shape, apart from starting about 20 minutes I couldn't tell this was a preview. Even the sound, which is usually an issue in previews, was great.

This was honestly one of the best things I have seen in a long time. I think the last time I felt so uplifted by a musical was Come From Away.

This is definately an ensemble musical and I really could not pick out a "star" performer here. Very strong cast and some great voices.

The musical is very funny with some brilliant dialogue with some real laugh out loud lines. The physio gets the best and funniest lines for sure.

Even though it was funny it was also quite an emotional show and I noticed many of the audience members with tears in their eyes at times, myself included. Tip - take a tissue.

Simply staged and great use of lighting and video projection onto the floor. It is in the round, or square in this instance and its played to all 4 sides equally. I was sitting in Row C of the stalls so had a great view but I don't think it would matter where you sat.

As for the songs, I really liked the style of music and the big ensemble numbers were fantastic. Its a show that needs a cast recording and soon. I think after seeing it a couple of times a few of the songs will stick in my head. I noticed one man in the audience mouthing all the words. Probably the man who wrote the lyrics and there were a lot of creatives in the audience.

Loved it when they used sign language during some of the musical numbers.

Act 2 has a couple of real goosebump moments as already mentioned, but no spoilers from me.

Fantastic audience reaction at the end and several of the cast were visibly emotional.

It was a very "stagey" audience and extremely well behaved. Lots of them seems to know each other as there was lots of waving and blowing kisses before the show started. Nica Burns was sitting 3 seats away from me and at the end she was standing at the bottom of the stairs saying goodbye to everyone.

I'm definately booking for this again and I really hope it does well as it so deserves it.

On a footnote I had problems getting any phone signal outside the theatre and again inside. So coudn't bring up my ticket details. Had a feeling they are used to this so sent me to box office and I got a proper printed ticket, so a bonus there. I don't think it was just me as FOH staff said it is was quite normal and a woman standing next to me in the bar had the same problem. Luckily their WiFi is good. So heads up if you are going, maybe get your tickets up on the screen before.




Very easy 5 stars from me.

Can I be a bore and ask how long it is please?

These reports have convinced me to book a ticket! Wasn’t at all interested before.. but now am. Thankyou!

Likewise.

I didn't see any comparison between this and DEH which, like you, I also didn't care for.
This has a lot of humour but also a lot of heart. I can see why people compare to CFA in that sense.

We seem to have very similar tastes, so I am gonna give this a go!

Thanks x

Does that mean I can now call myself an influencer? 😀

I’ve also booked for Tuesday based on these initial reviews - the producers should be giving you lot commission!

I'm more worried that you won't like it. So I'll be eagerly awaiting your reviews next week.
(But I secretly know you will like it).

I went to see this last night and was blown away with how polished it was for a first preview. They must have had a lot of time to get it to this level, and I'll be back post previews to see how it's changed.

The show really takes you on a roller coaster of emotions-from laughter to tears and everything in between. A few differences from the original Henry Fraser book but the story transfers perfectly to stage and works well in the round. I was sceptical about a musical in Soho Place as it's quite a small space compared to traditional proscenium west end venues, the minimalistic set with the odd few surprises thrown in uses the space well and the view is extremely clear to all the seats in the house, the space commands an almost mini 'Arena' feel at times with all the people on the different levels and lights all the way around.

The video floor looks fantastic and not something I've seen in theatre before-with this in mind the view from the circle was really good. So I can recommend that or the level above for those looking to book. The Sound was good, but it's a shame you can't see the orchestra as they must be hidden away under the stage. It has all the bells and whistles that you come to expect from a Luke Sheppard musical...and yes that does mean confetti.

It's so refreshing to have a brand new British musical in the west end, the score and orchestrations are fantastic and you do really get ear wormed. I hope they release a full soundtrack for this as some of the numbers are pure hits, and I'm still humming them today! The cast is one of the most diverse and talented in the west end in my opinion, a mix of disabled and non-disabled people that as a company deliver an outstanding performance. You can feel the support they offer to one another and every aspect of the show seems to be considered to ensure that all those in the company shine as bright as there fellow members-it's an absolute delight to see and pulls on the heartstrings that finally we may have a true inclusive musical that's born in London and loved worldwide.