If your sister has died, are you still a sister? All The Happy Things explores the devastating effects of grief and loss. Overwhelmed by grief at the death of her older sister Emily, Sienna struggles with all aspects of her life without her. She imagines that Emily is still there with her, arguing, remembering their past, listening to music. Emily shadows her at work, at home and in her relationships. On top of this delusion, Sienna is dealing with her father’s decline into dementia and the likelihood of him having to leave his care home because of his aggressive behaviour.
Written by Naomi Denny (who also plays Sienna), All The Happy Things initially sounds like it will be a depressing piece, but it’s told with great warmth and plenty of light-hearted moments, eventually leading to a satisfying resolution as Sienna is finally able to let go of her sister. The love for her sibling remains, but she can now get on with her life without her grief dominating everything.
Denny is marvellous as Sienna, thoroughly convincing in her devotion to her sister and with a credible vulnerability. LJ Johnson’s Emily is similarly well-rounded and beautifully portrayed. Both Denny and Johnson give performances of great energy and physicality, and show the intense bond shared by the sisters. Johnson also plays Ruby, Emily’s one-time girlfriend whose shared history with Emily helps Sienna to focus on the happy things.
Dejon Mullings is Sienna’s boyfriend, Sam, whose attempts at consoling Sienna are not always appreciated. Mullings brings Sam’s understandable confusion and empathy to the role. He also plays Kevin, Sienna’s boss, who injects humour as a stereotypical manager, eventually realising she is struggling at work.
Lucy Jane Atkinson directs with a sure hand. It’s a kinetic piece with Yemurai Zvayara’s movement direction bringing huge energy. Atkinson is also not afraid of quiet, still moments redolent with emotion. Jida Akil’s design is spare, carefully placed mirrors and some chairs all that is needed.
An earlier mention of Emily’s death would set the scene more quickly, but otherwise it’s a well-thought-out exploration of a close sibling relationship that has been shattered and the mental effects of grief.
All The Happy Things is playing at Soho Theatre Upstairs, Dean Street, until Saturday, 26 April. Tickets are on sale at: https://sohotheatre.com/events/all-the-happy-things/
Reviewer: Carole Gordon
Reviewed: 9th April 2025
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
