The Little Big Things
SohoPalace
(Review Complete)
SYNOPSIS:
When one moment changes everything, Henry’s family are split between a past they no longer recognise, and a future they could never foresee. Can Mum and Dad rally his three brothers as the family start a journey to overcome the unimaginable.
REVIEW:
Sometimes there is a real benefit to knowing almost nothing about a show before you go and see it. All I knew was that it was the story of a young budding rugby player who broke his neck diving into the sea off Portugal. I assumed it would be sad, moving and perhaps an element of ‘be careful what you do” in the story-telling. But no! This was a most uplifting evening! And, probably most unexpected of all, really funny in many places! The boy concerned, Henry Fraser, was played by both Ed Larkin, the wheelchair using post accident Henry, and Jonny Amies the able bodied pre accident Henry. This was a brilliant device enabling both Henrys to vocalise doubts, fears and ambitions with each other. Both Ed and Jonny were excellent and if felt as though they relished the unusual situation of playing the same person in two separate times of their life.Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey played Henry’s Mother and Father. Their shock and trauma at finding their lives changed over night were brilliantly played by both and Linzi Hateley had a particularly moving song trying to make sense of what has happened.
Henry’s three sporty brothers, played by Jordan Benjamin (Dom), Jamie Chatterton (Tom) and Cleve September (Will), were excellent. They had such rapport and their efforts to deal with Henry after the accident were touching.
Malinda Parris played Dr Graham who was responsible for treating Henry once he has been returned to the UK and she was excellent. A wonderful over the top character with a great belt voice!
But my favourite has to be Agnes, played by Amy Trigg. Agnes is Henry’s physio, who is also in a wheelchair and so is able to meet Henry on his own terms. She is inspiring, sarcastic, inspirational! Amy is superb in this role!
I thoroughly enjoyed this show. Everything seemed right. Lively, if slightly derivative music, brilliant staging and choreography, a deceptively simple set that was incredibly effective, great performances and most of all a script that left you feeling inspired at what can be achieved with determination and support from a caring positive family!
This production is a full 5 stars from me so buy your tickets without delay!
You won’t regret it!
5 stars out of 5
Reviewer Julia Rufey