Every Brilliant Thing: Verb Theatre finds joy in the tough stuff

A play about depression. A show about suicide. And yet— somehow —it’s hilarious.

“Every Brilliant Thing” is playing at Calgary’s Pumphouse Theatre, and while its premise might sound heavy, the experience is anything but. Presented by Verb Theatre and starring Betty Mitchell Award–winner Karen Johnson-Diamond, this one-person show is as heartwarming as it is unexpected.

The play follows a young boy who, at just seven years old, starts a list of “every brilliant thing” in life to cheer up his mother — who’s struggling with depression. That list starts with simple joys: ice cream, rollercoasters, water fights. But it keeps growing, eventually hitting one million entries and becoming a life raft through all the highs and lows that come next.

Johnson-Diamond, who also improvises with Loose Moose Theatre, says the show invites connection — sometimes quite literally.

“The audience gets to help tell the story,” she said. “Some people read from the list. Some step into small roles. Others just sit back and watch. It’s completely their choice.”

Audience participation is gentle, she emphasizes nobody will be forced to help, and each night feels different. That’s part of the magic.

Originally staged at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2014, “Every Brilliant Thing” has since played across the globe, including a four-month New York run and an HBO broadcast. This production, directed by Verb’s Kathryn Smith, keeps the intimacy intact while offering a fresh Calgary twist.

“It’s an optimistic show,” said Johnson-Diamond. “It’s about someone who’s lived with suicide in their life, and how they manage to keep looking for what’s brilliant.”

And yes — it’s funny. Not a farce, not slapstick, but smart and often sharply hilarious. Think stand-up meets story time, with a few emotional gut-punches and some very joyful moments in between.

Each show also includes a little something extra: past performances have featured free ice cream, colouring tables, and even handwritten lists from audience members.

“Every Brilliant Thing” runs April 10–19 at the Pumphouse Theatre.

Tickets and details at verbtheatre.com.