Review: The Little Big Things (Koninklijk Theater Carré, Amsterdam)
Photo by Danny Kaan
The popular West End show, The Little Big Things, has finally opened its doors at the Koninklijk Theater Carré on Sunday, June 28th, with a special performance.
Based on the inspiring true story of Henry Fraser, a rugby player whose life changed dramatically after a diving accident while on holiday with his brothers in Portugal. The show premiered in 2023 at @sohoplace in London, where it became a major success. With its strong focus on inclusion, the production delivers a powerful message: it doesn’t matter if you are disabled or not, you can achieve anything as long as you believe in it.
The cast includes West End stars Djavan van de Fliert, who is stepping into the role of young Henry Fraser and making his official Dutch debut, and Ed Larkin, who is reprising his role as Henry Fraser after a successful run in London. They are joined by a brilliant international company, featuring Joy Wielkens as Fran Fraser and Edwin Jonker as Andrew Fraser.
Due to an injury, Edwin Jonker was unfortunately unable to perform as Andrew Fraser during the premiere. However, his role was wonderfully taken over by understudy Liam Tobin, who delivered a fantastic performance
The supporting cast and ensemble members feature Tessa Jonge Poerink as Agnes, Lucia Zemene as Katie, Sarah-Jane Wijdenbosch as Dr. Graham, Jurriaan Bruinier as Will Fraser, and Francisco Schuster as Dom Fraser.
The production also features Kris Berry, Silyan El Kattabi, Valerie Gwyneth Lai, Vivian Gomez Cardoso, Floris Meijer, Imke van Putten, Sam Stephen, Liam Tobin, Alwin Knijp,Tom Nye en Winny Herbert and Rijanne Mink.
Even though this production has been performed before, it is a totally different production with new choreography by Alice Sheppard and Chiara Re, and direction by Ola Mafaalani. Because the show is performed in English, there are screens with subtitles around the auditorium, which is perfect if you want to make sure you are keeping up with the story.
Photo by Danny Kaan
The tone is set immediately with the entrance of Ed Larkin; you can feel that the audience is excited and ready for another English musical in the Benelux. He enthusiastically introduces himself by talking to the audience about what happened. This cast delivers absolutely outstanding performances. During act one, we meet Tessa Jonge Poerink, who plays the role of Henry’s physio, a very positive character, and one that is definitely needed in this production. Her message is strong and clear: ‘It doesn’t matter if you’re disabled or not, you have your own strength and you can do whatever you want.’ It is a beautiful addition to the story.
What makes this staging truly unique is not only its wonderful cast, but also its incredible staging. The action happens right in the middle of the auditorium, with the audience sitting entirely around it. Minimalist set pieces, like a bed or a fridge, seamlessly appear onstage, keeping the production fast-paced as the cast runs around and uses every inch of the space. The set design, combined with the brilliant use of real rain, creates a stunningly immersive look.
Musically, the show is a triumph with amazing, deeply moving songs that hit you straight in the heart. The lighting design is exceptionally clever, using sharp lines of light to represent paintings and artistic expressions beautifully. The only slight drawback is for the audience sitting up on the tribune; they might experience a slightly obstructed view and, unfortunately, miss out on seeing the live orchestra.
Ultimately, The Little Big Things is a masterclass in inclusion. More musicals like this should exist to give everyone, regardless of background or ability, the chance to do what they love on stage.
The little big things is playing in Amsterdam (Koninklijk theater carré) until 16 August!
★★★★★
