West End Recommendation: THE LITTLE BIG THINGS

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 1:29pm

If you’re going to London anytime soon, I want to throw out a suggestion that might be off your radar. The new musical “The Little Big Things” that’s playing at the West End’s newest house, SohoPlace. It’s the true story of Henry Fraser, who became paralyzed from the shoulders down when he was a teenager and the story follows his journey to how he became a celebrated artist, along with how a family copes with that kind of event. 

 

The cast here is just remarkable, with disabled actors in several of the leading parts (which is something you hardly ever get to see) and the glorious, the LEGENDARY, Miss Linzi Hateley as Henry’s Mother. Director Luke Sheppard has created something absolutely beautiful with some stage imagery I think you’ll remember for the rest of your life. He’s also directing the upcoming revival of “Starlight Express” and after seeing this show, I have no doubt that will at least be stunning to look at. 

 

Tickets for this aren’t crazy expensive at all so if you’re able to, do yourself a favor and check it out. I saw it twice last week and it’s an absolute highlight of anything I’ve seen so far this year.

[Mark_E]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 1:32pm

Agreed. Wonderful new musical with lots of affordable options. 

[amiyagi]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 1:44pm

Agree as well. Two other selling points:

- Amy Trigg as the physiotherapist Agnes is hilarious
- It's in the round which I always enjoy but found additionally reassuring with this show because I could plainly see other audience members crying as much as I was lol

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 1:49pm

SOBBING. 

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 9/24/23 at 1:55pm

I've heard nothing but incredible things about this production! Wish I was still there to see it!

[Shubert Alley Cat]

Posted: 1/7/24 at 6:22pm

The cast recording to this has dropped and I must say I am really enjoying it.  The score sounds like Dear Evan Hansen but that is not a negative to me - I enjoy the pop sound and the vocals here are pretty great, too .  Recommend you give it a listen.

[Dylan Smith4]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:11am

Does anyone think this might come to NYC? My UK friends who’ve seen it have been praising this show! Circle in the Square obviously would be the best venue for the show if it were to transfer. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:15am

I'll be in London for a week in February but I feel like I should see My Friend Totoro instead? 

Like just the trailer makes me cry, ha. So I'm not sure I can sit through this.

[Jmuep2]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 7:27pm

To the question of whether this will transfer, I saw it in London twice and have raved about it to friends, but I find it hard to see this transferring. It’s really British — particularly with a heavy emphasis on rugby that I imagine might be a barrier to some audiences. The bigger question I have is whether Circle in the Square (or any theater) is accessible enough for multiple actors using wheelchairs. I loved the way they used the space in @soho place (the theater where it’s playing) and I can’t quite see Circle in the Square being as adaptable — but I’m no expert on that point.

Having said that, if it gets a lot of Olivier nominations and transfers here, I will gladly see it again.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 7:33pm

I believe Circle In The Square was redone to accommodate Ali Stroker during “Oklahoma” so it should be fully accessible for actors in chairs. 

[Michelle Birnbaum]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 7:35pm

Is it a limited run or open run?  Not going to London until 2025.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 7:59pm

It’s closing March 2nd.

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 8:17pm

Is this better than Standing at the Sky's Edge? Trying to decide between the two.

Updated On: 1/8/24 at 08:17 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 8:23pm

“Sky’s Edge” was the absolute best show I saw anywhere in 2023. I’m sad some of the cast from The National aren’t Transfering to the Gillian Lynne, but I’m so stoked to be able to see it again. 

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:00pm

Jordan Catalano said: "“Sky’s Edge” was the absolute best show I saw anywhere in 2023. I’m sad some of the cast from The National aren’t Transfering to the Gillian Lynne, but I’m so stoked to be able to see it again."

That was easy, thanks! 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:02pm

If you do see it, I really hope you post your thoughts about it, love it or hate it. 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:07pm

Did you get to see The Witches, Jordan?

"Get Up" has really grown on me. I was disappointed at first, because I could not see how a number like that represented the story I know and love. Now I appreciate it more, I love the lyrics, and want to hear the rest of the score.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:12pm

I did see it and honestly, I was very “meh” on it. I enjoyed “Get Up” too but it has the worst staging I’ve maybe ever seen. Six kids in dollar tree costumes standing side by side just singing, occasionally rocking back and forth. I know people have enjoyed it more than I did and I’m glad. For me though, it was a bit of a dud. Not as bad as “Hex”, though!

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 1/8/24 at 9:21pm

Thanks. Sounds bad. I wonder if will have any life after it closes later this month. I was hoping a full recording would follow at some point.

[blaxx]

Posted: 1/9/24 at 2:28pm

Jay Lerner-Z said: "Thanks. Sounds bad. I wonder if will have any life after it closes later this month. I was hoping a full recording would follow at some point."

Witches was super mediocre.

[akhoya87]

Posted: 1/9/24 at 3:20pm

I saw this last week.  It's one of the rare times I found myself liking the book much more than the score (at least with a "new" musical).  The acting is terrific (although Linzi Hateley was out for our show), and the direction is marvelous.  I found myself a little bored in Act I, but captivated in Act II.  Some of the dialogue was truly funny.  As someone who rather likes going to Belgium (especially over Italy), that particular joke/through line was effective.  While I didn't tear up during the show, plenty of folks around me did, and I understand why.

The music and lyrics were ... serviceable, at best.  No real memorable tunes (at least for me, others may disagree).  Felt very much like a DEH retread. 

I found the placement of some songs to be forced.  The placement of Uma Vida in particular felt a little awkward to me.  And my feelings about "Work of Heart" are the same as "Independently Owned" in Shucked -- did we really need that song *there*?  But all that is subjective.

All told, it's an enjoyable show, and worth a watch.  I do like that the book resolves the plot nicely and, while predictable, tells the story well.  I think with a few updates (a la the changes they made here and there to "Americanize" the Prima Facie script), this would do OK on Broadway for a while.  I don't think it's a grand show, but it's a good one.

 

[BroadwayBoy0924]

Posted: 1/11/24 at 5:33pm

I'm crossing my fingers that they are able to find a new home in London.  I'm going in June and dying to see this show. I know the Soho space is booked from mid-March til early May.  Maybe it comes back to the Soho after Red Pitch has it's run.