Date/Time: Thursday, 2nd October 2025 at 14:30
Location: Soho Place Theatre, 4 Soho Place, Charing Cross Road, London, W1D 3BG
Price: £50 per person. Member and guest £100. Face value £80.75pp
Event Organiser: Pete Wells. 7 Wayfaring Court, Safflower Lane, Harold Wood RM3 0LQ
Since its premiere in 2013, Duncan Macmillan’s one-person play about depression has gradually become a cult hit. It’s been performed in more than 80 countries and now – finally – makes its West End debut. This performance features Lenny Henry and also includes original performer Jonny Donahoe, as well as Ambika Mod, Sue Perkins and Minnie Driver.
The setup is simple. It’s about a young boy who, after his mum does “something stupid” when she has acute depression, decides to make a list of all the things that make life worth living: Waffles; Hedgehogs; Falling in love.
Before the show begins, scribbled notes with items from the list are distributed throughout the audience. At regular intervals, the audience is required to shout out the items from the list. A few spectators are also pulled into various mime sequences and running gags and, with Henry, they carefully bring this boy’s story to life as he transitions from a hopeful young boy to a faltering and thoughtful man.
There’s a stillness and steeliness to Henry when he talks about the importance of protecting our mental health. He also responds beautifully to all the music woven into the show, which plays such an important role and underlines just how much this boy has been forced to live on the edges of his family life. Listening behind doors. Hovering. Worrying. Never getting truly involved, for fear of what he may lose if he lets the happiness in.
Please note: This production contains themes of suicide and depression.
Event Booking
Please note that all bookings are subject to our Event Booking Rules.
The standard, printable event booking sheet is downloadable here.