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By
Duncan Macmillan
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With
Jonny Donahoe -
Directed by
Hillary Moulder
Step into a world where screens and algorithms fade into the background and experience the power of genuine connection in real time and space. Together, let’s craft something unforgettable.
Over 80 minutes, Every Brilliant Thing brings together a group of strangers in a way that only live theatre can—reflecting what it is to be human in a shared and immediate experience. A seven-year old’s mother attempts to take her life, but what does a seven-year-old do to make sense of it and to help the most important person in their life to see all the reasons to be happy; to see every brilliant thing?
Playfully pieced together with direct involvement from the audience, our narrator takes us back to how the list of every brilliant thing started. Every Brilliant Thing is funny, sad, uplifting, and honest; it is a truly unique theatrical experience.
If you had to make a list, where would you start?
#1 Ice cream
#2 Water fights
#5 Things with stripes
#25 Wearing a cape
#314 The way Ray Charles sings the word ‘you’
#319 Laughing so hard you shoot milk out of your nose
#823 Skinny Dipping
#9998 Watching someone watch your favourite film
“This is a must-see show; a theatrical experience you will never forget.” Artshub
“[A] heart-wrenching, hilarious play…One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression—and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop…There is something tough being confronted here—the guilt of not being able to make those we love happy—and it is explored with unflinching honesty.” —The Guardian (UK).
“EVERY BRILLIANT THING finds a perfect balance between conveying the struggles of life, and celebrating all that is sweet in it.” —The Independent (UK).
“What Macmillan offers, with great sensitivity behind the abundant laughs, is a child’s fierce, flawed attempt to make sense of adult unhappiness and a meditation on the shadow that a loved one’s depression casts over the lives of a family.” —Evening Standard (London).
“…very charming…offers sentimentality without shame…guaranteed to keep your eyes brimming…[The script] balance[s] acuity and affability…with unobtrusive artistry…captivating…” —The New York Times.
“[EVERY BRILLIANT THING] is sad, but it is also gloriously funny and exceptionally warm. It’s a show that spells out a little of what depression can do to people, but it also highlights the irrepressible resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find delight in the everyday.” —Time Out London.
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Key Dates
- 7pm, Friday, 5 April 2024: Accessibly Priced Preview
- 7pm, Saturday, 6 April 2024: Opening night
- 7pm, Tuesday, 9 April 2024: Forum - a special performance where audiences get to ask cast and crew questions after the show
- 2pm, Saturday 13 April 2024: Backstage Tour
- 7pm, Wednesday, 17 April 2024: NZSL Interpreted Performance
- 7pm, Friday, 19 April 2024: Private Event
- 4pm, Saturday, 20 April 2024: Matinee 1
- 4pm, Saturday, 27 April 2024: Matinee 2
- 1:30pm, Thursday, 2 May 2024: School Matinee
- 7pm, Thursday 2 May 2024: New Zealand Actors Benevolent Fund 'bucket drive'
- 4pm, Saturday, 4 May 2024: Matinee 3
- 7pm, Saturday, 4 May 2024: Closing night
- 1pm, Sunday 5 May 2024: Creating Character - a workshop with Hillary Moulder
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Tickets
PLEASE NOTE: Seating for this performance is General Admission (GA) Earlybird** Standard Adult $33 $39 Senior (65+) $33 $35 Friends of The Court Theatre $33 $33 Group (10+) 10% Discount* Child (under 18) $20 Community Services, Student ID or Hāpai Access cardholders $23 *Applies to Standard Adult, Friends, Child and Senior price tickets
** Early bird price is only valid for the first two weeks of the show’s season – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Matinees only. Early bird ticket sales close on the opening night of the show. - Cast
- Creatives
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Resources
Every Brilliant Thing explores questions of mental health with a positive approach. Although the play focuses on resilience and hope, it also candidly addresses the topics of depression and suicide. At the conclusion of the performance, you may remain in the space for as long as you wish.
Below is a list of some of the telephone helplines or services available which offer support, information, and help. All services are free, and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week unless otherwise stated.
For counselling and support:
Chinese Lifeline – 0800 888 880
(for people who speak Mandarin or Cantonese)Dealing with Grief - visit the website,
(for people dealing with loss)For children and young people:
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz
(for young people, and their parents, whānau and friends)What's Up – 0800 942 8787
(for 5–18year-olds; 1 pm to 11 pm and online chat service from 11am-10.30pm, every day including public holidays)The Lowdown – visit the website, email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
(emails and text messages will be responded to between 12 noon and 12 midnight)SPARX – an online self-help tool that teaches young people the key skills needed to help combat depression and anxiety
For help with specific issues:
Depression.org.nz – includes The Journal free online self-help tool
OUTLine NZ – 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE)
(for sexuality or gender identity issues; 9 am to 9 pm weekdays, and 6 pm to 8 pm weekends).Alcohol Drug Helpline – 0800 787 797
(for people dealing with an alcohol or other drug problem; 10 am to 10 pm)Women's Refuge Crisis Line – 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE)
(for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family)Shakti Crisis Line – 0800 742 584
(for migrant or refugee women living with family violence)Rape Crisis – 0800 883 300
(for support after rape or sexual assault)Plunket Line – 0800 933 922
(support for new parents, including mothers experiencing postnatal depression)Suicide Loss - visit the website
(support for after a suicide death)For families, whānau, friends and supporters:
Skylight – 0800 299 100
(for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9 am to 5 pm weekdays)Mental Health Foundation – for more information about supporting someone in distress, looking after your mental health and working towards recovery.
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Kai at The Court Menu 2024
Enjoy kai before your show at The Court Theatre with delicious pizzas, platters and snacks from G&T Catering!
For the best experience, we recommend arriving at the theatre at least an hour and a half before showtime, where you can place your order at the coffee bar. The theatre will be open two hours before your show starts. Please note: you cannot take any hot food into the auditorium or bring your own food to The Court Theatre.
This menu and prices are applicable from 27 February 2024.
Click here to view our drinks menu.
WOODFIRED PIZZAS
Bases made fresh in-house daily, authentic Italian pizza sauce, shredded mozarella.
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Cheese - $18 (V)
Shredded mozzarella -
Ham and Pineapple - $19
Ham, pineapple -
Margherita - $20 (V)
Fior Di Latte mozzarella, fresh basil -
Meat Lovers - $20
A blend of pepperoni, salchichon, prosciutto, BBQ sauce -
Spinach and Mushroom - $23 (V)
Spinach, mushrooms, thyme, caramelised onions, garlic, parmesan -
Chicken, Cranberry and Brie - $25
Roast chicken, brie, cranberry sauce -
Lamb - $25
Roast lamb, caramelised onions, garlic, macerated currants, mint yoghurt -
Salmon - $26
Smoked salmon, citrus creme, capers, lemon pepper
Venerdi gluten free base + $3
Unfortunately we are not celiac friendly
Vegan/dairy free cheese available on requestSIDES & SNACKS
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Rustic Fries - Bucket $11 / Handful $6 (V + DF)
Rustic fries finished with rosemary salt and served with garlic aioli or tomato sauce -
Arancini - $10 - 4 pcs (V)
Pumpkin and mozzarella, served with garlic aioli -
Polenta Fries - $10 (V + DF)
Rosemary and chili, served with a creamy plant-based ranch dip
Extra sauce + $1
V = Vegetarian, DF = Dairy Free
Please note: Due to our small food preparation and service area our pizzas and snacks may contain traces of various allergens. Please discuss any dietary requirements with our staff.
Please note: Some items on the menu are subject to seasonal availability.
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Press Reviews
"Works like Every Brilliant Thing are important; I don’t think they are ‘nice to haves’. They are brilliant, in that they shine a light in the gloom, and remind us that collective joy and experience might be the enemy of despair."
"...a sparkling exercise in positivity. Sad things happen, but recalling ‘brilliant things’ can remind us that good things happen too. Thousands of them."
"This show is life affirming, empathetic and totally engaging and the sound track is great too. Make sure you book tickets, when the word gets out, this must surely be a sell-out."
"While the subject matter was difficult, we all left the auditorium with hope and a smile on our faces. Theatre is the perfect vehicle to deal with such topics. "
"Set in a theatre-in-the-round format, the production cultivates an inclusive atmosphere, inviting viewers to intimately engage with the protagonist's story of resilience and hope"
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Media
"Art exists to stimulate as well as entertain, and The Court Theatre’s upcoming production of Every Brilliant Thing is an attempt to spark conversations about mental health through the medium of drama."
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Backstage Tour
Step behind the scenes at The Court Theatre to explore a world of theatrical magic!
Everything happens on site here at our Addington Shed, from the creation of grand sets out in our workshop, to the crafting of astounding costumes you've seen in productions like Something Rotten!.
A member of our Court Theatre team will host your tour, sharing stories of past productions and giving you a real taste of what goes on behind the scenes at the South Island's largest theatre company.
The backstage tour for Every Brilliant Thing will be held at 2pm on 13 April 2024. Book your tickets here.
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Creating Character - a workshop with Hillary Moulder
Are you ready to dive into the art of character creation? Join Every Brilliant Thing director Hillary Moulder on 5 May 2024 for an exclusive workshop that merges the techniques of Stanislavski with the transformative power of physicality. Whether you're an aspiring actor or seasoned performer, come along and elevate your craft in a playfully fun environment!
What You'll Learn:
- Stanislavski's Method: Explore key principles of Stanislavski's system.
- Physical Expression: Discover how the body can be a powerful tool for character development, expression, and storytelling.
- Integration Techniques: Learn how to seamlessly integrate Stanislavski's psychological approach with physicality, creating characters that resonate deeply with audiences.
- Character Transformation: develop a fun and playful approach to embodying diverse characters.
See all the info and book your tickets here. Spaces are strictly limited.
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Audience Reviews (7)
"Had the privilege of seeing the dress rehearsal last night. It really is a wonderful play, superbly written, touching, funny and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Hats off to the team. Nick Purdie (from last night) was a delight, bringing the whole audience with him so the space felt like it shrunk to just you as the audience member & him. Exceptionally hard to do a one person play & keep the audience with you for 80 mins - well played that man! A must see experience.""Stunning in every way. I laughed so hard it hurt and I cried. I never could have imagined such a delicate and jagged topic to be explored so artfully. We were utterly absorbed throughout the performance with the storyteller connecting with the audience genuinely moment to moment. It's playful, it's heartbreaking and warming, it's a delight. 80 minutes felt like no time at all. I'll be raving about this for months to come!""I am floored. I am happy. I am uplifted and I am filled with energy. What a special show Every Brilliant Thing is. So much humour, heart, gentleness and warmth. How a show that deals with these topics does that is genius. Congratulations to the entire team. Glad I took a chance on this one. Everyone should go.""Just Wow!! Trubie’s performance on opening night was outstanding making the whole experience one of the most memorable theatre moments I have had. There were tears as well as many laughs and he had us all in the palm of his hand until the last moment of the show. The instant standing ovation was well deserved. An absolute MUST SEE show. ""Wow! So cool. I loved the audience interaction and watching how others reacted.
What an awesome actor! He nailed I . Such energy and thinking on the fly. ""I watched Trubbie perform the show and was mesmerised by the skill in which he drew the audience in. What an incredible experience. I came out uplifted and moved. It is a ‘must see’ show. I’m telling all my friends to go. ""What a unique and enriching form of theatre. I absolutely loved the show. Laughter , tears and real life reminders of survival and hope . I had no idea it was an interactive show but I had the pleasure to play as Sam tonight and the main actor ( I’m unsure of his name sorry eek) was brilliant in accomodating the ins and outs of interactive theatre in a seamless & comforting way. Very Well done. I left feeling a shift in myself . A positive and potentially a profound one. The use of the colourful paper flying around and the music. Every. Brilliant. Thing. Truly a quality show. "