Audition notice!

Every Brilliant Thing

By Duncan Macmillan With Jonny Donahoe
Directed by Phillippa Hibbs

SYNOPSIS

Aged 7 years old, the narrator begins a list of every brilliant thing they can think of (Ice cream. Water fights. Staying up past your bedtime). It starts as an attempt to help their depressive mother, but it soon becomes a lifeline for the narrator, who builds the list through childhood, into university, and through to adulthood (Beyonce. Alcohol. Tea and biscuits). But can they keep bringing brilliant things to mind when life throws adversity and heartache their way?

This is a unique play. Written through collaboration between a playwright and a stand-up comedian, Every Brilliant thing is a joyful celebration of light in the darkness. The play explores themes of love, resilience, relationships and mental illness through storytelling, comedy, and improv.

DIRECTOR’S NOTeS

Phillippa Hibbs is absolutely stoked that someone’s letting her direct this play. She loves theatre, stories and comedy - and Every Brilliant Thing is a magical smoothie of all three. It’s very important that people have a good time when making (and watching) theatre, and Phillippa’s experience as a director, actor, comedian, intimacy adviser (and former teacher) means she knows how to keep people safe whilst supporting them to achieve their best. She can’t wait to direct this wonderful, unusual, and creative script - and explore deeply human stories with honesty and warmth.

Role

Narrator

The narrator is the only character in the play. They use direct address, audience engagement, and improv to tell their story. There is no fourth wall.

The script is carefully crafted so that the narrator can be any age, gender or ethnicity.

Audience engagement is crucial to the role.

We are intending to double cast, splitting the performance season equally between both performers.

CASTING NOTE

Casting is open to all ages, genders and ethnicities. We are looking for performers who can make strong connections with audiences. Audience interaction is key to this production. Backgrounds in improv or comedy could be helpful but are not required. Most importantly, we are looking for people who can create a safe, playful environment for the audience.

Dolphin theatre is a community theatre and is run entirely by volunteers.
All acting roles are unpaid.