WRITER
Duncan Macmillan with Jonny Donahoe
DIRECTOR
Kristina Brändén Whitaker
PERFORMER/NARRATOR
SET/LIGHT DESIGN
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SOUND DESIGN
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PHOTOS
Lina Ikse
Every Brilliant Thing was first produced by Paines Plough and Pentabus Theatre, on 28 June 2013 at Ludlow Fringe Festival.
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Every Brilliant Things was also performed previously at GEST
9 November - 13 December 2017
4 - 15 December 2018
Gothenburg English Studio Theatre presents the world-wide hit
EVERY BRILLIANT THING
Written by Duncan Macmillan
With Jonny Donahoe
Performed by Gary Whitaker
Directed by Kristina Brändén Whitaker
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A touching, funny and life-affirming play about depression and the lengths we will go to for those we love.
To celebrate GEST’s 20 year anniversary we’re bringing back this new, updated version of an audience favourite by popular request.
”You're seven years old. Mum's in hospital.
Dad says she's 'done something stupid'. She finds it hard to be happy.
You start to make a list of everything that's brilliant about the world:
1. Ice cream
2. Water fights
3. People falling over
4. Rollercoasters
5. Laughing so hard you shoot milk through your nose."
As the boy grows into a man the list evolves too. Over 30 years and thousands of entries later, he discovers that the list might even help save himself.
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Limited run: Only 11 performances.
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“Every brilliant thing is unusual as it is a feelgood play about depression, transferred to Gothenburg's English speaking stage with great sensitivity for the material, by the theatre's Artistic Director Kristina Brändén Whitaker.”
“Gary Whitaker has enough rhythm in his body for a whole ragtime orchestra.”
Göteborgs-Posten 2017-11-10
“Everything is crafted with astonishing sharpness and with an emotional delivery that throws you between hope and despair, laughter and tears throughout the entire performance.”
Scenkonstguiden 2017-11-16​
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19.00:
13, 19, 20, 26, 27 March
2, 16, 17 April
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18.00:
14, 21, 28 March
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13:00 (Only available via KuBo)
14, 25 March
1, 16 April
Gary Whitaker in Every Brilliant Thing. Photo: Lina Ikse
Gary Whitaker in Every Brilliant Thing. Photo: Lina Ikse
Gary Whitaker in Every Brilliant Thing. Photo: Lina Ikse
Gary Whitaker in Every Brilliant Thing. Photo: Lina Ikse
After-Show Discussion 16 April
We are delighted to invite Anna Ehnvall, psychiatrist and Associate Professor at the University of Gothenburg, to join the cast for an After-Show Discussion following the performance of Every Brilliant Thing on Thursday 16 April. After the performance, Anna Ehnvall will join the cast for a Q&A exploring the play’s themes and providing insight from her perspective as a professional, educator and researcher into mental health and suicide.
This is a unique opportunity to see the play and then take part in a conversation with both the actor and an expert in psychiatry. Audience members will have the chance to ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the issues explored in the performance, as well as insights into the creative process behind bringing the play to life on stage.
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WHEN & TICKETS: Performance starts at 19:00, After-Show Discussion starts at approximately 20:20. Tickets for the 16 April performance or any earlier performance of Every Brilliant Thing required to attend the After-Show Discussion
Note: Audience members who have already seen the play on a previous date are also welcome to join the After-Show Discussion at 20:10 for a 20:20 start.
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About Anna Ehnvall:
Anna is a senior consultant psychiatrist and a licensed psychotherapist. She also works as a supervisor and trainer in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Since 2009, she has been the director of studies for more than 25 psychotherapy training programmes in Sweden.
She is an Associate Professor (docent) at the University of Gothenburg. Her current research and teaching focus primarily on a psychotherapeutic treatment for individuals following a suicide attempt (ASSIP).
Anna has co-authored several books on a range of topics. Including suicide, psychological coaching, and inner sustainability.