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Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.

By Maria Bregman

If you are looking for a musical that will touch your heart and uplift your spirit, you might want to check out The Little Big Things, a new and original British musical that is currently playing at Soho Place in London. The Little Big Things is based on the true story of Henry Fraser, a young man who became paralysed from the shoulders down after a diving accident, and how he turned his tragedy into a triumph.

The Little Big Things is adapted from Fraser’s bestselling memoir of the same name, which chronicles his journey from a carefree teenager to a tetraplegic mouth painter. The musical follows Fraser as he faces the challenges of his new condition, discovers his talent and passion for art, and learns to appreciate the little big things that make life worth living. The musical is a celebration of the human spirit, the power of family, and the beauty of creativity.

The musical features a pop-inspired score by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling, two rising stars of the British musical theatre scene. Butcher has been a finalist in the Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Competition and is one of the most exciting young contemporary theatre composers in the UK. Ling is a lyricist and librettist who has written for various musicals, including The Season, which won the MTI Stiles & Drewe Mentorship Award. Together, they have created a musical that is catchy, witty, and moving, with songs that capture the emotions and themes of Fraser’s story.

The musical is directed by Luke Sheppard, who has a track record of directing successful and innovative musicals, such as & Juliet, In the Heights, and Spring Awakening. Sheppard has assembled a talented and diverse cast of performers, who bring Fraser’s story to life with authenticity and sensitivity. The cast includes Jack Loxton as Henry Fraser, Rebecca McKinnis as Diane Fraser, David Thaxton as Mark Fraser, and Matthew Kelly as Grandad Fraser.

The musical is playing at Soho Place, a new and accessible theatre in London’s West End, which opened in 2022. Soho Place is a state-of-the-art venue that offers an intimate and immersive experience for audiences, as well as a range of facilities and services for people with disabilities. The theatre is committed to making theatre accessible and inclusive for everyone, and has partnered with various organisations, such as VocalEyes, Stagetext, and Attitude is Everything, to provide audio description, captioning, and relaxed performances.

The Little Big Things is a musical that will inspire and entertain audiences of all ages and backgrounds, with its message of hope, resilience, and gratitude. The musical is running until 9 January 2024 at Soho Place. Don’t miss this chance to see The Little Big Things and witness a true story of courage and creativity.