A new musical based on Henry Fraser’s acclaimed memoir The Little Big Things is heading to London’s West End.
The show will open at @sohoplace Theatre this September 2023, running from 2 September to 25 November 2023
The brand new musical will be directed by & Juliet and My Son’s a Queer (But What Can You Do?) director Luke Sheppard. Sheppard is also helming new Roy Orbison musical In Dreams.
The Little Big Things has music by Nick Butcher (Loved Before), lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling (Animal Farm), and a book by Joe White (Blackout Songs).
Watch: The title song from The Little Big Things
The show stars Ed Larkin (Doctors, Love and Information) as the man Henry, and Jonny Amies (Grantchester, From Here to Eternity) as the boy Henry in his younger years. Larkin, who is a wheelchair user, will play Henry following the accident
Henry Fraser caused a sensation with his inspirational 2017 memoir. When he was 17, a tragic accident severely crushed his spinal cord. Paralysed from the shoulders down, he has conquered unimaginable difficulty to embrace life in his new way of living.
Using a specially developed stylus and easel Henry has become an accomplished mouth-painter, and an inspirational speaker and writer.
The Little Big Things creative team: L-R, Luke Sheppard, Nick Butcher, Tom Ling, Joe White
The show has had a number of workshops in recent years organised by producer Michael Harrison (The Wizard of Oz), directed by Luke Sheppard, and including West End talent such as Ben Joyce (Back to the Future).
Joining Luke Sheppard in the creative team are: Set Design by Colin Richmond,Choreography by Mark Smith, Costume Design by Fay Fullerton, Video Design by Luke Halls, Lighting Design by Howard Hudson, Sound Design by Paul Gatehouse, Musical Supervisor Matthew Brind, Musical Director Laura Bangay, Dramaturg/Associate Director Nickie Miles-Wildin, and Casting Director Jill Green CDG.
Michael Harrison and Nica Burns are producing the show, and Nica said in a press statement: The Little Big Things, our first musical and a world premiere, is our fifth and final production to open in our first year @sohoplace. It follows Marvellous, As You Like It, Medea and Brokeback Mountain which runs until 12 August. A big thank you to brilliant musicals producer Michael Harrison for bringing us this exciting project, authored by a new British musical theatre writing team and with an actor who is a wheelchair user at its heart.”
Henry Fraser said in a statement: “There have been many things that have happened since my accident that I never thought about in life, never planned and really surprised me, in a great way. This musical is one of those moments. The guys have been great to work with and the moment they played me a couple of songs I was sold. I still can’t believe it’s actually happening and it makes me incredibly excited and nervous.”
Director Luke Sheppard said: “After an incredible development process over the last few years, it’s a privilege to be welcoming the world to this brand-new musical premiering at London’s newest theatre. With an extraordinary true story at the centre of it and an electrifying new score, we can’t wait to bring this thrilling new production to the stage.”
Songwriter Nick Butcher said: “Getting to know Henry Fraser and his family has been both a joy and a key part of the song writing process. Many of our personal conversations inspired songs within the show both honouring and expanding on Henry’s autobiography.”
Currently playing at @sohoplace theatre until 12 August 2023 is new play Brokeback Mountain, based on Annie Proulx’s novel, starring Mike Faist, Lucas Hedges and Eddi Reader.
More about tickets to The Little Big Things at @sohoplace Theatre in London.
Book tickets to Brokeback Mountain at @sohoplace Theatre
