The Little Big Things (musical)

The Little Big Things is a musical with music by Nick Butcher, lyrics by Nick Butcher and Tom Ling and a book by Joe White, based on the Sunday Times best selling memoir of the same name by Henry Fraser.

The Little Big Things
A New Musical
West End Promotional Poster
Music	Nick Butcher
Lyrics	Nick Butcher Tom Ling
Book	Joe White
Basis	The Little Big Things by Henry Fraser
Premiere	2 September 2023: @sohoplace, London
Productions	2023 West End

Production history

West End (2023)

The musical made its world premiere at @sohoplace in London's West End beginning previews on 2 September 2023 running until 25 November. The production is directed by Luke Sheppard. Full casting was announced on 7 July 2023.

Cast and characters

Character	West End
	2023
Henry Fraser (Man)	Ed Larkin
Henry Fraser (Boy)	Jonny Aimes
Fran Fraser	Linzi Hateley
Andrew Fraser	Alasdair Harvey
Dom	Jordan Benjamin
Surgeon	Rebecca Bowden
Tom	Jamie Chatteron
Marco	Tom Oliver
Dr. Graham	Malinda Parris
Will	Cleve September
Agnes	Amy Trigg

Musical numbers

Act I

• "Prologue" - Man Henry, Boy Henry
• "Never Coming Home" - Company
• "Feel Like This" - Boy Henry, Company
• "One to Seventeen" - Fran Fraser
• "Work of Heart" - Dr Graham
• "Part of the Plan" - Agnes
• "Uma Vida" - Company
• "Why?" - Man Henry
• "Don't Wanna Have To" - Tom, Will, Dom, Fran, Andrew
• "The World Is Waiting" - Company

Act 2

• "Entr'acte" - Band
• "What I Need" - Tom, Will, Dom, Company
• "Silence of the Sea" - Boy Henry
• "Things We Shouldn't Do" - Agnes, Company
• "Sympathy" - Tom, Will, Dom
• "Miles and Miles" - Andrew, Company
• "Guide You" - Man Henry, Boy Henry, Company
• "One to Seventeen (Reprise)" - Andrew
• "The Little Big Things" - Man Henry, Company
• "Playout" - Band

Critical reception

The show had its official opening night on the 14th of September, with critics in attendance giving it largely positive reviews; Alun Hood of WhatsOnStage gave it five stars, stating "it’s a truly great time in the theatre" and "The thunderous score is a major factor in this: Nick Butcher and Tom Ling’s tune-filled, exhilarating work occupies that sweet spot where pop, rock and folk compounds with theatrical bombast." The Observer gave it high praise and called the music "punch-the-air triumph" and the show "Full of the joys of being alive". Arifa Akbar of the Guardian however was critical of the minimal set design, also stating "Nick Butcher’s music and lyrics (by Butcher and Tom Ling) are strong and catchy, incorporating pop, jazz and gospel alongside big musical ballads" but that the show felt too "bright eyed".