Daniel Radcliffe is currently taking the stage at Broadway's Hudson Theatre in a production that is as deeply moving as it is surprisingly joyful. In his new solo show, 'Every Brilliant Thing,' Radcliffe explores the heavy reality of depression and suicide, suggesting that anyone who reaches the end of a long life without ever feeling crushed by sadness probably hasn't been paying much attention.
However, the true magic of the play lies in how it balances these dark themes with a life-affirming tribute to the small joys that make every day worth living.
Daniel Radcliffe's 'Every Brilliant Thing'
The story follows an unnamed narrator, played by Radcliffe, who began creating a list of "brilliant things" at the age of seven after his mother's first suicide attempt. Rather than just reading the list himself, the show turns the audience into active participants.
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Sound designer Tom Gibbons ensures that when Radcliffe calls out a number, a voice from the crowd—whether from the orchestra, the mezzanine, or even those sitting on stage—shouts back a corresponding item. These "brilliant things" range from the simple pleasure of spaghetti bolognese to the secret thrill of peeing in the ocean.
This interactive spirit starts even before the lights go down. Radcliffe spends the pre-show minutes wandering through the aisles, chatting with fans and handing out participation assignments. Known for being a celebrity who isn't fazed by his own fame, his high-energy "working of the room" sets a welcoming, communal tone. Beyond just reading from the list, audience members are frequently pulled in to play key figures in the narrator's life, including his father, his girlfriend, and even a librarian.
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Previous Performance of 'Every Brilliant Thing'
Originally written in 2013 and performed by stars like Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Minnie Driver in the past, the play finds a unique energy in Radcliffe. While previous versions of the narrator were often more subdued, Radcliffe is a whirlwind of motion. He is so enthusiastic that he once attempted to high-five every single person in the theatre during a musical interlude, only to jokingly admit afterwards that there were simply too many people for that to be a good idea.
His quick wit also keeps the show fresh; during one performance, when handed copies of 'Twilight' and 'Percy Jackson,' he couldn't help but poke fun at his own history with book-to-movie adaptations. He sarcastically noted that nothing ever goes wrong when a book becomes a major motion picture, a subtle nod to his 'Harry Potter' roots that brought down the house.
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Ultimately, Daniel Radcliffe's magnetic performance makes the show's inevitable shift into a darker, depressive state feel even more powerful. It serves as a reminder that no matter how many lists we make, we aren't always shielded from internal struggles. By the end, 'Every Brilliant Thing' is less like a play and more like a massive, supportive group hug—reminding everyone in attendance of all the reasons to keep going.
