Book by Joe White,
based on the memoir by Henry Fraser
Music and Lyrics by Nick Butcher
Lyrics by Tom Ling
History
Having put out an open call for a songwriting partner on Twitter, composer, lyricist and performer Nick Butcher, received a response from actor and lyricist, Tom Ling. Having written some pop songs together, they were keen to collaborate on a musical, and Butcher’s flatmate, a professional rugby player, suggested that he read ‘The Little Big Things’, a Sunday Times bestselling memoir by his friend’s brother, Henry Fraser, dealing with the aftermath of his becoming paralysed from the shoulders down. Having contacted Henry’s agent they asked for a meeting to discuss their proposed musical. Four weeks later they received an unbelievable response – “Henry really likes you guys, so we’re going to give you the rights for twelve months”. They therefore started writing songs, and co-opted playwright Joe White to adapt the memoir and write the book of the musical. At an early stage it was decided that they would have two actors playing Henry, a non-disabled actor before the accident and a disabled actor after the accident, with conversations between the two providing the structure of the musical and its explosive theatrical pop soundtrack
The completed musical made its world premiere at @sohoplace, the newest West End Theatre, which had been built to be fully accessible, meaning that the two cast members in wheelchairs were able to access all parts of the theatre, including the backstage area. Directed by Luke Sheppard, it began previews on 2nd September 2023, starring Jonny Amies and Ed Larkin as Henry.
Story
An avid sportsman and academy player with a premiership Rugby club, Henry Fraser’s life changed forever when in 2009 he had a diving accident whilst on holiday with his brothers in Portugal. From that moment he and his family and friends had a new life to live as a tetraplegic and new circumstances to accept and adapt to.
In A Nutshell
When one moment changes everything, can Henry and his family cope with the journey to overcome the unimaginable ?
Production
This was my first visit to @sohoplace, which is ‘in the round’ meaning excellent sightlines from all seats on all three levels. I was sitting in the middle level to one side, but I could still see all the action perfectly.
The production was excellent, if a little heart-wrenching at times. (It certainly wasn’t a show for young children, such as the two that I could see sitting uncomfortably in the stalls – they might have been better off at ‘The Witches’). The songs and staging were also wonderful and there was an appropriate balance of humour and pathos. It was a story of hope, but was not mawkish about this, showing the despair as well as the hope. The two actors playing Henry were amazing, as were all those playing his family (including the wonderful Linzi Hateley as his mother), his physio played by Amy Trigg, and his love interest played by Gracie McGonigal. The entire audience jumped to its feet to applaud at the end, and everyone seemed to leave the building on a high.
Highly recommended.
‘The Little Big Things’ runs at @sohoplace until 2nd March 2024.
Favourite Song
It has to be ‘One to Seventeen’ sung by Henry’s mother after receiving his prognosis, closely followed by ‘Sympathy’ which looks at the impact on Henry’s brothers.
Did I Buy The Cast Recording ?
Only the title song is currently available, across streaming platforms..
Links
Production Website: https://sohoplace.org/shows/the-little-big-things
Henry Fraser’s Website: https://henryfraserart.com/
Song Streaming: https://slinky.to/TheLittleBigThings
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