Based on the Sunday Times best-selling autobiography by Henry Fraser, The Little Big Things is a new British musical with an explosive theatrical pop soundtrack in a world premiere production. With music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and book by Joe White, Little Big Things is directed by Luke Sheppard and is the first full musical to open @sohoplace and the fifth production overall in the new West End venue.
Little Big Things is the extraordinary true story about an ordinary family. 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? This uplifting and colourful new musical is a life-affirming reminder about the transformative power of family, and how sometimes it really is the little things which matter the most.
Playing Henry are Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies. Amies plays Henry before his accident and Larkin is Henry afterwards. Both are onstage throughout, with Amies becoming the Henry Larkin needs to move on from, to live his new life. Both Larkin and Aimes are extremely strong throughout, running the gamut of emotions to tell Henry’s story. Aime’s sweet pop vocal is more than capable of tackling Butcher’s score and Larkin’s emotional performance is very affecting.
His brothers were played by Jordan Benjamin as Dom, Jamie Chatterton as Tom and Cleve September as Will with much laddish bravado with the most character development being given to the youngest brother Dom which created some lovely… and awkward… moments for him and Henry #ballgate.
As their parents Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey give brilliant performances as Fran and Andrew Fraser. A consummate performer, Hateley gives a star turn as Fran delivering one of the most emotional songs of the evening early on in Act One and Harvey gives a powerful performance as the father who needs to adjust his expectations of “my boy”. In addition, both actors seem to have a wonderful connection with the cast, cementing themselves as the parents of the piece.
Another stand-out performance is given by Amy Trigg with hilarious physical therapist Agnes. With biting one liners, Trigg elicited multiple applause from the audience mid-scene while also hammering some homes truths about living with disability in a world that often makes her feel “more disabled”.
Nick Butcher’s music employs both sung-through and verse/chorus structures, with some memorable melodies (I came away humming the title track on my way out). While Butcher and Tom Ling’s lyrics sometime verge on naiveté, the majority of the writing is strong and characters emotions, intentions and stories are furthered and explored.
Joe White’s book is at times laboured, however he overall leads his characters through their story, with a lovely full circle moment at the end.
There’s plenty of stagecraft to dazzle the audience throughout including Luke Hall’s incredible video designs on the stage itself depicting setting and illuminating set pieces and choreographer Mark Smith’s aeriel work creating jaw-dropping moments in Act Two. Studies have shown how colour can represent emotion and this is put to good use with video design, Howard Hudson’s fantastic lighting design and Colin Richmond’s effective set design which combines to create the most colourful show on the West End!
Packing a powerful and emotional punch, with catchy songs and huge heart, The Little Big Things is another dazzling offering from @sohoplace. Featuring a wonderfully diverse cast and stunning performances The Little Big Things tells a heart-warming story of resilience and family unity. Press night was filled with laughter, tears and joy as we celebrated this very special new British musical, together as a community.
Reviewed by Stuart James
