A Verb Theatre Production

EVERY BRILLIANT THING

Written By DUNCAN MACMILLAN
With JONNY DONAHOE

Starring KAREN JOHNSON-DIAMOND
Directed by KATHRYN SMITH

About the Show

Joyful & Participatory

“Theatres best antidote for depression” - The Guardian

What do you do when you’re just seven years old and mum finds it hard to be happy? Start writing down for her every brilliant thing worth living for—ice cream, water fights, rollercoasters—and then never stop. #315 The smell of old books. #994 Hairdressers who listen to what you want. #2000 Coffee. #9996 Sex. As time passes and the list grows, what began as a naive attempt to deal with tragedy becomes an epic chronicle of life's small joys. This list takes on a life of its own in an unusually funny show about depression and love. 

With warmth, humour, and an interactive twist, this poignant performance celebrates resilience, gratitude, and reminds us of the beauty hidden in everyday moments.

*Scroll to the bottom of this page for a Content Advisory. Contains some spoilers.

Praise for EVERY BRILLIANT THING

“EVERY BRILLIANT THING finds a perfect balance between conveying the struggles of life, and celebrating all that is sweet in it.” —The Independent (UK).

“[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).

THE CREATIVE TEAM

Karen Johnson-Diamond

Performer

Kathryn Smith

Director & Producer

Donna Sharpe

Stage Manager

Jason Eckenroth

Set Designer & Set Builder

Camille Pavlenko

Producer

The Pumphouse Theatre - Access Information

-There is a small parking lot at the theatre, but it can fill up quickly and parking is not guaranteed. Car pooling and arriving early is highly suggested.
-The Theatre is also located close to the Sunalta C-Train station, and walking distance from Two House Brewing where you can grab food and drinks before the show.
-The Pumphouse Theatre is wheelchair accessible

Content Flag

Every Brilliant Thing is intended for audiences 13+

Read on for a full content warning and some spoilers.

Throughout this story, the lead character discusses her relationship with her mother who is battling depression and suicidal thoughts. The show chronicles how the lead character tries to find what is brilliant in the world, in her mothers life, and in her own life. The mother attempts suicide when the lead character is young. How she attempts is not discussed in detail.