The Highland Arts Theatre (the HAT) is back and launching their 2023 season of shows this February, starting with Every Brilliant Thing. A dark comedy from Duncan MacMillan and Jonny Donahue that started in the U.K. before being produced in New York and now Cape Breton Island.

“We’ve been trying to get bring this story to downtown Sydney since before the pandemic. There were a few times we thought it would happen but a schedule would change or a team member wouldn’t be available,” said Artistic & Executive Director Wesley J. Colford. “Seeing this production on its feet, it’s clear this team was worth waiting for. You’ve never seen a show like this at the HAT before.”

The show was described by London’s newspaper The Guardian as “Heart-wrenching, hilarious...possibly one of the funniest plays you will ever see, full stop.” A review that may come as a surprise for a show that deals with suicide and depression.

The show’s director Scott Sharplin clarifies, “The small but significant distinction with this show is: it’s not a play about depression; instead, it’s about living in a world that contains those ugly things. In 2023, mental health issues affect everyone. Every Brilliant Thing is about navigating through rough waters and finding a heading that feels right. Its thesis statement is: that’s easier to do with others than alone.”

As per the writer’s wishes, the show will take place in a new performance area being developed specifically for Every Brilliant Thing. The rest of the mainstage season will continue in the space patrons have become accustomed to over the past 9 years of productions. So far the theatre has announced Take d Milk, Nah? And If I Had A Million Tributes both taking place in April, followed by the world premiere of a new play The Beloved written by Wesley J. Colford.

Every Brilliant Thing starts its run on February 13th and is currently scheduled to continue until February 25th. Directed by Scott Sharplin and starring Mark Delaney (Billy Bishop Goes To War, Place Bay Miner’s Museums). A web-stream of the play will take place exclusively on the theatre’s YouTube channel on March 30th at 7:30PM, AST.

Tickets are on sale now with the theatre’s Pay-What-You-Choose ticket system, with free tickets available to those in need.

Tickets can all be booked online at www.highlandartstheatre.com, by phone at (902) 565-3637, or in person at the

HAT's box office at 40 Bentinck Street in Downtown Sydney between noon and 6:00PM, Monday to Friday.

Highland Arts Theatre

40 Bentinck Street, Sydney, NS B1P 1G2

902.565.3637

[email protected]