The Little Big Things - @sohoplace / NT At Home

Wow!

I think there is a great show in here, but there’s definitely a lot that can (and should be) changed or scrapped.

Admittedly, I didn’t realise how true to Henry’s life this was, I think it could do with 80% of the brothers songs gone/some of the acting - especially from Cleve September was incredibly amateur and took me out of it so much. The youngest brother was the strongest of the three, and I thought there was some lovely moments with him and Henry that made me cry.

It took me a good while to get into it, I feel there’s so much from act one that could be cut. It was during the doctors song that I started to enjoy it. Malinda Paris was a huge standout for me.

I feel like the lyrics need a lot of work - Linzi’s song at the beginning especially could be brilliant if it had some more work done on it.

I hated the choreography but at the same time, think the songs that incorporated BSL are so beautifully done.

I liked how they handled different aspects of disability in general, as a disabled person myself, it really felt well handled. I actually really loved Linzi’s portrayal of the mother - it all felt very real, my own mother has dealt with me being in hospital/in a wheelchair and I thought they did a great job of showing the very real emotions that come up. I just think her song needs work.

I feel like there’s some scenes needed to resolve the parents issues - just having Henry say something along the lines of “you will stay together in the future” didn’t give me enough - there was a moment at the end before they take the sheet off the painting where even a few lines of dialogue could have been added.

I think overall, it was a wonderful watch for me. I laughed, I cried (a lot)

Is it perfect? No. But did I have a great time at the theatre? Yes, and I would like to see it again. I enjoyed it far more than awful Dear Evan Hansen, which has been brought up for comparison in this thread a lot. It was much better to me than another show I loathed which was Newsies, which was one of the worst things I’ve seen all year.

I think the fact that we have such an inclusive cast and we are having disabled peoples stories told by disabled actors, in an accessible theatre (for the actors) and where disabilities aren’t being used for inspiration p0rn is a huge triumph for theatre in general. I think it’s a very special little show and I was incredibly glad to have seen it.

Unfortunately this does have a lot of faults in it, some of which cannot be changed because it's a true story.

I would merge all the brothers into one, possibly two but I understand they're real people so it's not so straight forward.
It's also fairly 'on the surface' with some moments of depth, particularly in Act 2, which I think needs some real looking at.

Saying that though, I cried at this in a way I don't often cry at shows - like, I tear up at things, but I don't outright sob all that often, and I SOBBED multiple times tonight.

Linzi Hateley is absolutely fantastic in this - her act 1 number a highlight and she's just such a warming presence on the stage, and I wouldn't be surprised if a supporting actress nom was announced when we come round to it next year.

Is it perfect? Absolutely not, and it's not really going to improve without a substantial overhaul of act 2 to add some depth, but I can't give it any less than 4 stars because of how it made me feel.

I hope it has a successful run, and I'll be going again.

I feel like it’s a 3 star show. I hope it gets 3 star reviews. But who knows?

Rather random question for anyone who's seen the show - what was the third item on a plinth before the show started, other than the boat and the rugby ball? I didn't notice at the time, and I can't make it out from the photo I took.

Andy likes it

He's always been a big supporter of new musicals, glad to see that he enjoyed it.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury, the defense rests...

It actually felt more like Jamie to me than DEH.

With the physio and doctor filling in for the 'always 'avin a larf' Mothers friend and the drag queen.

I didn't get any DEH from it at all.

Had the pleasure of seeing this a couple more times this past week. I've now sat on all three levels (including the front row and back row of the whole theatre) and while I think the first balcony offers the best view, there really does not seem to be a bad seat in this amazing theatre.

I've been able to appreciate the smaller details and notice a few minor changes they've made through the previews so far (though all very minor).

My biggest takeaway has been how well directed I think this is. Fran's song 'One to Seventeen' near the beginning, is a perfect example of how the cast play to all sides, all levels, all seats throughout the show. Even in the second balcony you can see the cast making eye contact with you and including the whole audience in the storytelling and that really helps to make this space seem perfect for this show.

There's been a couple of tweaks to the lighting design in 'Silence of the Sea' which makes it all the more impactful now and the whole way that song is staged means it's quickly becoming one of my highlights of the show.

I think from the off Jonny Amies has been amazing in the role of boy Henry, but I've really noticed a huge change in Ed Larkin really growing into his role, really brilliant performance from him.

Really hope this does well with the critics as I think it really deserves it.

A stunningly designed production. Joyously uplifting storytelling. A sublimely talented cast. Theatre was buzzing with anticipation and once the house lights went down and the actors took to the stage you found yourself being pulled into the story of Henry Fraser. It never went down the route of mawkish sentimentality. Perhaps some liberties were taken with the characterisations but where it succeeded was how it maintained the bond of the family unit throughout and the steel within to make something positive from a tragic life changing accident. The two actors playing Henry Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies were exceptional. I simply do not have words to describe how their performances resonated and how they connected with a heartbreaking realism. Linzi Hateley illuminated the stage with the warmth she has always graced a stage with and this role gave her not only the opportunity to remind us of her glorious voice but the sheer scope of her acting. Equally Alasdair Harvey gave a wonderful interpretation of a father struggling in so many ways. Every production element which has gone into the musical could not be bettered. Direction has ensured all sides are played to a factor which only on occasion I have seen work. The music and lyrics do what so few new musicals do and that it to work with the book in advancing the story with lyrics providing humour, gritty realism and music which was punchy and melodious. The physical production of design, sound and lighting just stunning. Again though you keep going back to the actors and of the role of the casting director who has brought together 12 inclusive actors to premier one of the best new British musicals I have seen in years.