How would you cope if your partner was diagnosed with autism? Mike Heath’s new play The Big Things, now running at London’s Baron’s Court Theatre until 5 May, traces one couple’s journey and how it affects them and their partnering. Watch these lovely behind-the-scenes videos with the show’s stars May Cunningham and Matthew John Wright from the rehearsal room – and then get booking!
The Big Things brings us into the world of Grace, a woman living to a different rhythm. She meets Malcolm and falls in love, but even that she can’t do without people staring. When she and Malcolm decide to have a baby, the ensuing challenges leave her questioning everything she knows about life. How can your family love you when they can’t understand you? How can you be a good mother when you’re not like everyone else?
Shortlisted for the BBC Alfred Bradley Bursary Award 2016, The Big Things is a tragi-comic play about love, parenthood, and defining and defying what it means to be normal. It’s a funny and honest look at a woman living and loving with undiagnosed autism.
The Big Things is written by Mike Heath and stars May Cunningham and Matthew John Wright. Cunningham, who plays Grace, has a parent with autism and hopes the show encourages people to learn more about it. The premiere production is directed by Sharon Willems and presented at Barons Court Theatre by Kibo Productions.
Post-show Q&A
Mates co-founder Terri Paddock chairs a Q&A with writer, director & cast following The Big Things on Friday 27 April 2018.
Videos
May Cunningham on Grace: “It’s been really good to work on a script that has such a complicated female character.”
Matthew John Wright on Malcolm: “He has quite old-fashioned ideal about what a family should be but he’s willing to adapt for the woman he loves.”
