Brilliant
2008 – 2017
A dazzling show for 3-5 year olds; Brilliant is about the deep emotions, the magical imaginings and the secret games that are conjured when the lights go out, when it’s time to go to bed
Brilliant 2013 photo by Keith Pattison
Brilliant is the final part in a trilogy of projects made for children that are inspired by the rituals and games of everyday life. The first part, Feast Your Eyes, was a modern fairy tale about food, which had at its heart an image of mealtime. And The Rain Falls Down was all about water, and grew from an interest in the intensity of pleasure and play that comes with having a bath.
Brilliant is about the deep emotions, the magical imaginings and the secret games that are conjured when the lights go out, when it’s time to go to bed.
To make a piece about light for 3 and 4 year olds is to make a piece about darkness, about switches, about shadows and colour, about the moon and the stars. It’s also about looking, and seeing, and being seen.
It’s about trying to be still, and trying to settle down, and the dreams that leap to life as we drift to sleep.
Brilliant 2013 photo by Keith Pattison
Brilliant 2013 photo by Keith Pattison
Lovely and imagination-tickling, the aptly named Brilliant is a wonderfully playful exploration of light. Who, regardless of age, could fail to be enchanted by the gentle surprises and magical effects on view?
★★★★
The Times
Meet the Team
Company Stage Management: Beth Hoare-Barnes
Costume: Giulia Chini, Jess Tiller
Design: Ali Beale
Direction & Design: David Harradine & Sam Butler
Lighting: Jo Manser
Performers: Laura Cubitt & Elisa de Grey
Musicians: David Leahy & Jamie McCarthy
This Project Was Supported By
Paul Hamlyn Foundation
The Bodfach Trust
The Golsoncott Foundation
Brilliant Benefactors
With Special Thanks to
Ghislaine Granger, Graeme Philips, Kate Cross, Karina Garnett, Mark Webber, Carl Hawkins, Sharon Kivity, The People Show, Jo Belloli and everyone at Polka Theatre, Sarah Quelch at BAC, Alex Tuppen at 36 Studios (print design), Paul Kirton (transport), Sparks Theatrical Hire, J&C Joels, AC Lighting, Mojdeh, Tim Powis, Teresa Hare Duke at the Museum of Childhood, Katrina Duncan, Karen Petersen, Jo Cecil, and all the children, parents and teachers who took part in the development workshops for the project.