Back in December 2023, ITV hosted The Royal Variety Performance 2023.

As usual, I sat and watched it with half an eye; I was either writing, cross-stitching or doing an jigsaw on my mobile phone at the same time and it is one of those programmes that you do not have to study.

However, there was one performance that night that really captured my attention and stopped me from doing what I was doing.

It was a musical performance from the cast of a new show, “The Little Big Things”.

The show is based on the true life story of 17 year old Henry Fraser, a promising rugby player and his family. Their tale starts with Henry winning a championship match, the England rugby team  in his future, and his first adult holiday in Portugal.

Half Ready

On day five of the holiday, Henry dives into the sea, hitting his head on the seabed, causing devastating injuries.

So far, it doesn’t sound like much of a cheerful show, does it?

Well, watching the performance taking place on the TV screen, I was literally moved to tears.

Henry, in a wheelchair is surrounded by his family and friends, before a young lady in a wheelchair comes onto the stage telling Henry that she is his Physiotherapist and she is going to ‘Hurt him better’

A girl missing her lower arm then started singing whilst also using British Sign Language, and the rest of the cast joined in.

Well, I was intrigued and moved, to say the least.

Henry came onto the stage after the performance and Bradley Walsh introduced him and gave a few details of his life. I wanted to see more and learn more about Henry and his story.

I went straight online to see where it was playing and whether there were any tickets left. I managed to get a couple of the last tickets available for the end of February.

Time To Leave

Before seeing the show, I had a little look online to see what I could find out about Henry and I was amazed by his story.

And humbled.

Becoming tetraplegic at the age of 17, months in hospital, multiple setbacks with pneumonia, then MRSA before being diagnosed with heart failure really did a number on Henry. Along with the realisation and having to come to terms with the fact that he would never be the same again.

So, all I had to do was wait two months and head to The Soho Theatre in London’s West End and watch the show.

Fast forward two months and it was finally time to go and see the show.

I was determined to make a day out of it, so headed on down to Westfield, White City to spend some time shopping and mooching about, before getting on the tube over to Tottenham Court Road.

Westfields

Arriving around lunchtime I headed straight to Sephora to have a look at some more of my favourite products there, before heading along to the huge Primark (I wanted to get some new ready reader glasses)

Marks & Spencers, Boots, and Charlotte Tilbury all got a visit before visiting the huge John Lewis.

Whilst in there I got a lovely leather ‘pouch’ in which to keep my super special Mont Blanc fountain pen.

Eventually around lunchtime it was time to get something to eat and so the food court was the place to go.

There are so many different offerings there and everyone can eat something different if they wish. You go to the eatery of your choice, place your order and they give you an electronic buzzer that tells you when your food is ready.

Cute Charlotte

With everything from Korean street food, to Spanish Tapas, Seafood to Lebanese, Pizza Pilgrims and Noodle bars, it is difficult to decide what to eat. In this instance I went with Indian street food from a fabulous place, Indi-go Rasoi. I had pieces of chicken tikka in a wrap with lots of salad and Indian dressing and a bowl of Masala fries.

It was absolutely fabulous and really filled me up before the theatre.

Lunch from Indi-Go

I also popped past my favourite, Cinnabon and picked up a sweet treat for either later that night, or Sunday breakfast; A Lotus biscoff cinnabon with extra frosting and caramel sauce.

Decadent but delicious!

It was almost time to be heading into the West End and the show, so I got onto the tube at Wood Lane before changing at Paddington and heading straight to Tottenham Court Road.

Dessert In Westfields

It was exceptionally busy as I had decided to get the tube just at the same time as the local football game had finished. Queens Park Rangers, I think.

Anyway, it took about 18 minutes to do the journey with the changes which wasn’t too bad at all.

Heading straight to the theatre, Soho Place, I was amazed to read that it is the first purpose built West End theatre in over 50 years. Built on a brand new street, also named Soho Place, it was created as part of the Elizabeth Line creation (which is exactly the line I had taken to get there)

It’s Almost Time

Going into the theatre, there was about a 45 minute wait until the theatre seats would be open. It was getting quite nippy outside so a drink in the warm theatre bar seemed like a good idea.

When I saw they had a speciality Mocktail involving peach puree I was sold.

I purchased a programme about the show and sat to wait the 45 minutes which flew by and I was ushered to my seat in the balcony.

Bottoms Up!

Time for the show!

And WHAT a show it was.

The cast were simply brilliant. I marvelled at the rich sights and sounds which were more noticeable as it is a ‘theatre in the round’ which means the actors came from all directions and the stage is visible from all angles as the crowd sit all around it.

As well as being a very physical musical, wheelchairs race on and off the stage as well as props being moved and removed, there are also sections where BSL (British Sign Language) is used to great effect. There is also a digital element to the show with the floor of the stage changing colours and designs as the story is played out.

What A View!

I found that really effective and it certainly added to the telling of the tale.

Without ruining too much of the story, (the ending is published on the internet) so no spoilers here, Henry goes on to become a hugely successful ‘Mouth Artist’ as the only part of his body that has movement is his shoulders and head which enables him to hold a brush or stylus in his mouth and create masterpieces.

Many of these were replicated on stage and I have to admit, I loved so many of them.

Sadly it was time to leave and I made sure I wiped my face of any mascara before heading out into the exceedingly busy street. Oxford Street at 1030pm is barely starting to come alive and the streets were packed with people.

Time To Go Home

I was able to get on a tube very quickly and headed back to Westfields for the two hour drive home.

The whole day was lovely and “The Little Big Things” was a completely heartbreaker whilst being inspirational, full of joy and elation at the same time.

I am so glad I got to see it before it closed in the West End.

Breakfast!

If it does a touring production, then I highly recommend you get yourself some seats.

And some tissues!

Till next time,

SPSG xxx