Following preview performances, on Thursday (September 14) The Little Big Things received its opening night at @sohoplace theatre.
Every so often, a new piece of musical theatre comes along and completely rocks your world – The Little Big Things does exactly that. A heart-warming and life-affirming story of overcoming adversity, this musical features a stunning theatrical pop soundtrack and is truly a reminder that sometimes it really is the little things that matter the most in life.
Here’s everything you need to know about The Little Big Things and why you need to go and see it immediately!
What is The Little Big Things?
Based on the Sunday Times best-selling autobiography of the same name, The Little Big Things is the extraordinary true story of Henry Fraser who’s life changed forever in 2009 following a diving accident. A keen sportsman and an academy player with a premiership Rugby club, the accident transformed Henry’s life as he had to adapt to living as a tetraplegic. The musical cleverly tells the story from pre and post-accident Henry’s perspectives as we watch him defy all odds by wheeling himself out of hospital a whole year earlier than predicted.
Opening the show, post-accident Henry states “I know what you’re thinking. What a terrible idea for a show!”, but there is nothing terrible about this piece of British musical theatre. Despite the heavy nature of the show, this production is uplifting, joyful, and full of life. However, we challenge you to watch it without crying (spoiler alert, CelebMix failed miserably).
Who’s in the cast?
The musical is led by Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies, who play post-accident Henry and pre-accident Henry respectively. They are the perfect pair to tell this story and have wonderful chemistry as they bring Henry’s story to life. Ed is the first wheelchair user in 350 years to lead a West End musical, which is an astonishing feat but also symbolises a much needed positive change in the industry.
Ed and Jonny are joined by theatre royalty Linzi Hateley and Alasdair Harvey who play parents Fran and Andrew, as well as Jordan Benjamin, Jamie Chatterton, and Cleve September who star as Henry’s brothers Dom, Tom and Will. Other standout performers include the hilarious Amy Trigg as physiotherapist Agnes, the wonderful Gracie McGonigal as Henry’s love interest Katie, and powerhouse Malinda Parris as Dr Graham.
The phenomenal cast is completed by Rebecca Bowden, Tom Oliver, Stephen John Davis, Elena Pitsiaeli, George Salmon, Amy West and Joseph Wolff.
Who’s the creative team behind the musical?
Created by a young team of exciting theatre makers, The Little Big Things has music by Nick Butcher (Loved Before), and lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling (Techies: The Musical). The book is written by Joe White (Blackout Songs), and is directed by Luke Sheppard (& Juliet).
This production is modern, with an electric pop-style score. The songs are heart-soaring, anthemic, and will stay with you for a long time after leaving the theatre. Standout moments include ‘One to Seventeen’, delivered with powerful emotion by Linzi Hateley, as well as the stunning ‘Guide You’. There is no doubt that the title track ‘The Little Big Things’ is one which will impact on you the most, and is reminiscent of The Greatest Showman’s score.
Where can I see The Little Big Things?
The Little Big Things is playing at the newly built @sohoplace theatre in Tottenham Court Road, London until 23 November 2023. The theatre was opened in 2022 and is the first new-build West End theatre in 50 years. Owned by Nica Burns and operated by Nimax Theatres, the theatre is a culmination of a 12-year project.
What’s special about this 600-capacity theatre is that the stage is in the round, meaning that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. No matter where you’re sat, you will feel full immersed in this extraordinary show. We recommend sitting in the second balcony so that you can truly appreciate the incredible staging. Whilst very simplistic in terms of set, the staging is brought to life by the LCD screen floor which paints a vivid picture and catches you by surprise when you least expect it.
There is no doubt that The Little Big Things is destined for huge things and it’s one of the most special productions to grace the West End in years. If you love Come From Away then you’ll adore this triumphant new musical – make sure you get your tickets now before it’s too late!