The Little Big Things on National Theatre at Home Review
Enjoy the acclaimed new British musical from the comfort of your living room
Following in the footsteps of hit shows like Hamilton and Heathers launching on streaming platforms, the new British musical The Little Big Things makes its way onto National Theatre at Home after a history-making, sold-out world premiere run at @sohoplace, the West End’s newest theatre in 50 years as its longest-running (to date) production. Still profoundly moving as ever, this filmed version offers the best seat in the house for just a fraction of the ticket price, with the added benefit of reaching audiences around the world.
When the show first premiered in the West End’s only accessible venue (for now, hopefully), it garnered glowing critical reception backed by a dedicated fan base - and being offered the opportunity to experience this profound emotional roller coaster of a show all over again, it’s not difficult to see why.
Based on the 2017 memoir of the same name by mouth artist and motivational speaker Henry Fraser, The Little Big Things is an autobiographical retelling of the author’s story from a gloriously theatrical perspective, penned by Joe White with music and lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling. The trio made explicit that the show isn’t ‘an inspiring story’ right from the beginning with a lighthearted duologue between a youth and adult version of Henry (portrayed by Ed Larkin and Jonny Amies respectively, both effortlessly endearing). The full company then jumps into an expositional opening number before a devastating accident happens during a seaside holiday with his brothers, eventually causing paralysis from the shoulders down.
Despite this life-changing event unfolding not long into the story, there is never a moment of dullness in the fast-moving plot, a testament to effective collaboration between writers and performers taking the audience on an emotional roller coaster. In one moment, Linzi Hateley shatters hearts through the screen with an ingeniously written solo “One to Seventeen” as Henry's mother Fran; in another, whilst Henry gradually regains strength through the support of his family, friends and healthcare professionals, a joyfully camp gospel-inspired number “Work of Heart” led by Malinda Parris as Dr Graham, just one of the many hits worth streaming on their own.
But the particular standout personality among Henry's support network is no doubt the non-nonsense physiotherapist Agnes (Amy Trigg, who then went on to win an Olivier Award for her performance), combining hilarious remarks (yes, “sh*t happens” is the chorus in one number) and an utterly truthful monologue met with rapturous applause.
In a typical musical, songs aid storytelling and often drive the narrative forwards, but Butcher and Ling's material go above and beyond - a brilliant mix of genres from pop, gospel all the way to disco whilst also giving each key character their star moment (including Alasdair Harvey who finally gets to lead in a number towards the end of the show, the lively country-inspired Miles and Miles).
Onstage the audience not only witness the sheer breadth of talent bringing Mark Smith's energetic choreography to life, but also the inventive ways the space is utilised to accompany Luke Sheppard's poignant visualisation with striking designs. Howard Hudson's vibrant lighting soars with each rising action and splashes out the full colour palette in its full glory, seamlessly complementing the paintbrush-inspired video design by Luke Halls (now appreciated from all angles thanks to the multi-camera production), accelerating to soaring moments and the much-anticipated title track finishing out with a bang.
For those who have not seen the show live before, this is just as thrilling of a theatrical experience with the added comfort of drinks and snacks, if you do so fancy; and for long-time fans and anyone who fell in love with this masterpiece like we have, the most welcomed opportunity to relive the joy that is The Little Big Things, leading the way for disability-led stories celebrated triumphantly in mainstream theatre.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
The Little Big Things is now streaming on National Theatre at Home, with captioned, audio described and BSL-interpreted versions available on demand.
Streaming and Accessibility
🎟️ Preview access were kindly gifted by the producers. All views are my own, without any input or approval from the platform or producers. Standard streaming access is available from £9.99/month, unlocking unlimited access on the platform with new titles added every month.
♾️ The show contains flashing lights, haze and loud noises. The audio mix for this version can get fairly loud during musical numbers, but the volume can always be adjusted on individual devices.