Actor Daniel Radcliffe is set to grace the Broadway stage once more, this time starring in Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe's acclaimed solo play, "Every Brilliant Thing." The production is slated for a limited run at the Hudson Theatre, marking Radcliffe's latest venture onto the New York stage following his Tony Award-winning performance in "Merrily We Roll Along."
Context
Daniel Radcliffe's engagement with "Every Brilliant Thing" signals a significant return to the live theater scene. The play, a one-person show that has toured globally and been adapted into an HBO special, centers on a narrative built around a list of life's most cherished moments.
Timeline: News of Radcliffe's participation began surfacing around late October 2025. Ticket sales were scheduled to commence in mid-November 2025, with previews beginning in late February 2026, and the official opening night set for March 12, 2026. The limited run is scheduled to conclude on May 24, 2026.
Key Figures:
Daniel Radcliffe: The lead actor, renowned for his role as Harry Potter, and a recent Tony Award winner.
Duncan Macmillan & Jonny Donahoe: Co-creators and writers of "Every Brilliant Thing." Macmillan also shares directing duties.
Jeremy Herrin: Co-director of the Broadway production.
Producers: Second Half Productions, Seaview, and Gavin Kalin Productions.
Venue: The Hudson Theatre, New York City.
Previous Engagements: "Every Brilliant Thing" has a substantial history, originating at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and running in London and Off-Broadway in 2014. It has since been performed in over 80 countries and is currently running in London's West End with Minnie Driver.
"Every Brilliant Thing": A Thematic Exploration
The play's core revolves around the act of cataloging positive experiences to combat feelings of sadness or depression. This approach is inherently adaptable, allowing for cultural specificities to be woven into the performance, as noted in its international productions.
Central Premise: The narrative unfolds through a list of "every wonderful, beautiful, and delightful thing—big, small, and everything in between—that makes life worth living." This structure creates an interactive and personal experience for the audience.
Adaptability: Reports indicate that the play's text can be tailored to resonate with local audiences. Examples include references to specific Greek popular culture or a particular brand of ice cream in Singapore, suggesting a malleable script.
Tone: Despite addressing serious themes, critics describe the play as "hilarious and heartwarming," capable of turning a "grave subject of suicide into the most joyful session."
Radcliffe's Stage Pedigree
Daniel Radcliffe brings a wealth of stage experience to this role. His history on Broadway includes notable productions that highlight his versatility and commitment to live performance.
Broadway Credits:
"Equus": His Broadway debut.
"How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying": A musical engagement.
"The Lifespan of a Fact": A role demonstrating his capacity for contemporary dramatic work.
"The Cripple of Inishmaan": Another significant theatrical appearance.
"Merrily We Roll Along": His most recent production, which earned him a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.
Suitability for the Role: Radcliffe's performance style is characterized by "quick wit, emotional directness, and improvisational instinct," making him an apparent fit for a solo play that relies on audience connection and spontaneous energy.
Production and Design
The Broadway production of "Every Brilliant Thing" is supported by a team of established theater professionals, aiming to enhance the intimate and engaging nature of the play.
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Creative Team:
Set and Costumes: Vicki Mortimer
Lighting: Jack Knowles
Sound: Tom Gibbons
Directing Team: Duncan Macmillan and Jeremy Herrin.
Run Details: The production is scheduled for a thirteen-week limited run. It will be performed without an intermission, with a running time of approximately 80 minutes.
Expert Perspectives and Reception
The announcement of Radcliffe's return and the play's Broadway premiere has been met with anticipation within the theater community. The inherent nature of the play, which relies on audience engagement, is a focal point.
Critical Acclaim: "Every Brilliant Thing" has been lauded for its ability to tackle difficult subjects with grace and humor. Its international success underscores its broad appeal.
Audience Connection: The play's structure is designed for "unpredictable electricity of audience connection." This improvisational element is central to its unique theatrical offering.
Radcliffe's Fit: Commentators suggest Radcliffe's on-stage persona is well-suited to the demands of a solo performance that requires significant audience interaction and emotional range.
Conclusion
Daniel Radcliffe's upcoming Broadway engagement in "Every Brilliant Thing" is a notable event, underscoring the play's global resonance and Radcliffe's established presence in the theater world. The production is poised to offer a unique blend of introspection and communal experience.
Key Takeaways:
Radcliffe returns to Broadway after a Tony-winning run.
"Every Brilliant Thing" is an interactive solo play addressing themes of life and hope.
The production features a respected creative team and is set for a limited run at the Hudson Theatre.
The play's adaptability and engaging format have contributed to its widespread success.
Future Considerations: The success of the production will likely be measured not only by ticket sales but also by its capacity to deliver the deeply personal and uplifting experience for which "Every Brilliant Thing" is known.
Sources Used:
Variety: Published October 29, 2025. Focuses on the announcement of Radcliffe's return and his prior Broadway work.
Official Broadway Site (Every Brilliant Thing): Provides key performance dates and confirms Radcliffe's starring role.
The Guardian: Published October 29, 2025. Highlights the play's theme of depression and its adaptable structure.
Front Mezz Junkies: Published December 23, 2025. Offers commentary on Radcliffe's suitability for the role and praises the creative team.
Link: https://frontmezzjunkies.com/2025/12/23/every-brilliant-thing-the-radcliffe-return-to-broadway/
Playbill: Multiple articles published around October 29, 2025, November 11, 2025, and a recent update "4 days ago" (relative to the report generation). These provide details on ticket sales, start dates, producers, and the play's international success.
Link 1: https://playbill.com/article/daniel-radcliffe-will-return-to-broadway-in-every-brilliant-thing
Link 2: https://playbill.com/production/every-brilliant-thing-broadway-hudson-theatre-2026
Encore Magazine: Published with a "Seen on: Brave" tag. Confirms performance dates and ticket sale information.
Link: https://encoremagazine.com/daniel-radcliffe-returning-to-bway-in-every-brilliant-thing/
TheaterMania.com: Published October 29, 2025. Details the creative team and includes a critic's positive remark on the play's tone.
Hollywood Reporter: Published November 19, 2025. Confirms the venue and start date for the Broadway run.
Broadway.com: Published November 11, 2025. Discusses the play's journey from international stages to Broadway and Radcliffe's prior stage work.
Broadway News: Published October 29, 2025. Focuses on the timing of the Broadway premiere and the play's extensive history.
BroadwayWorld: Published November 18, 2025. Features a video preview and reiterates the play's themes and Radcliffe's involvement.
The Times of India: Published October 30, 2025. Marked as "Low Priority" due to summary extraction issues.
