THE LITTLE BIG THINGS - WEST END REVIEW

This year - so far - has been full of positive reviews on ‘Robbie’s Backstage Bants’ and this one is absolutely no different - in fact, it is one of the best..

I visited @Soho Place last night (24/1/24) to see ‘The Little Big Things’ before its closure on the 2nd of March this year - and if this review does not convince you to catch it before it closes then nothing will as this review will be glowing!

’The Little Big Things’ is one of the most beautifully crafted pieces of theatre I have seen in a long time, and the heart and effort that was evidently poured into this production is poured straight out into the audience at every single performance. It follows the story of mouth artist Henry Fraser, who has an accident at the age of 17 and is left paralysed from the shoulders down.

Staging this production at the unique @SohoPlace theatre was a stroke of genius as the show fits the venue incredibly well and the intimacy of the space was perfect for the hearty atmosphere and allowed the whole audience to feel a part of the story - especially as the production was set ‘in-the-round’ it meant that it was incredibly inclusive (and not just amongst the cast).

Production factors for ‘The Little Big Things’ appear as though there was no expense spared. Set design by Colin Richmond gave the cast a great area to play in that was both simplistic and fitting for the show. Video Design on the stage was by Luke Halls and this was one of my personal favourite elements of the show that meant that as an audience we were able to be transported anywhere including the beach and this advances the performance in so many ways. 

Music by Nick Butcher, and lyrics by Tom Ling create a pretty score with some absolute belters of songs. Particularly ‘One to Seventeen’ and ‘Silence for the Sea’ but many songs have beautiful melodies and the cast sing each one so beautifully.

Now onto the cast performances, all of whom were fantastic and captured the true feeling of the show portraying it wonderfully on the stage.

The role of Henry Fraser is played by both Jonny Amies and Ed Larkin. Jonny Amies plays Henry before his accident and he does so extremely well. Amies plays into the “awkward teen” in some moments and brings energy and excitement to the stage throughout. He also has incredible vocal talent and gets to show this off numerous times. 

Ed Larkin plays Henry Fraser following his accident and deals with the themes of this with sensitivity and honesty. It is such an emotional story and yet Larkin finds ways of bringing light into the character even at his darkest moments - it was truly a standout performance and it is so fantastic to see disabled performers getting recognised (for example, Larkin’s nomination for a WOS Award!) and of course Larkin has smooth vocals and sings with a great deal of feeling.

Another massive standout for me was Rebecca Bowden - covering the role of Fran Fraser (Henry’s Mum) whose rendition of ‘One to Seventeen’ had me bawling my eyes out (for one of the first times since the show began, but most definitely not the last!). Her character of a mum who is really being tested by the situation in hand was so truthful and heartfelt. Especially at some really heart-wrenching moments, it was really interesting to watch Bowden’s performance and the relationship with other characters were all so well thought through and stunningly executed.

These were of course not the only standout performances as each of the brothers were wonderful - Cleve September (Will Fraser), Jordan Benjamin (Dom Fraser) and Jamie Chatterton (Tom Fraser) all gave great performances, as did Gracie McGonigal as Katie.

Alasdair Harvey brings masses of emotion and heart to the role of Andrew Fraser (Henry’s Dad) and he has to go through a range of feelings throughout the performance which he does incredibly well.

My final standout was Amy Trigg - in the role of Agnes. Trigg’s portrayal of this character was hilarious, her comedic timing was out of this world and watching her perform brought a beaming smile to my face 

Overall, I think it is safe to say that this is a phenomenal show - both brilliantly staged and incredibly performed. It is heartbreaking and hilarious both at the same time so make sure you bring some tissues. ‘The Little Big Things’ runs @Sohoplace until 2nd March so make sure you go and see it as we approach its final month of performances!

I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for this beautiful show.

25th January 2024

Robbie Davies | Robbie’s Backstage Bants