The Little Big Things is a new British musical which has just opened at @sohoplace. It is dividing critics and audiences, newspaper reviews have hovered around the 3 star marks while audiences are rapturous, crying and already coming for repeat viewings.
My prediction is that this will continue. The same audience that made Henry Fraser’s memoir about recovery from a life-changing accident a success will have the same passion for this play. This is perhaps a play for fans of JoJo Moyes rather than Margaret Atwood but there are plenty of those around and I think it will be huge.
There is much here for an audience to resonate with. The play is uplifting, colourful and inspiring but it does not shy away from the psychological impact on the whole wider family when one family member becomes severely disabled. The family unity shines through but the cracks are also boldly shown.
It is also pleasing (and right) that disabled characters are portrayed by disabled cast members. Bold and sassy physio, played by Amy Trigg, is a particular delight and her wheelchair-powered dancing is electric.
The soundtrack was not, for me, especially memorable but it carried the story along well. Mother Linzi Hateley‘s rendition of One to Seventeen was especially moving.
@sohoplace is a natural home for this show, as one of the newest venues in London it has accessible staging and, apparently, rehearsal space which make this musical possible. The lighting and animation used on stage hugely added to this performance.
Have you seen The Little Big Things? Let me know your thoughts below.
Red Bus Londinium Life 
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