Every Brilliant Thing doesn’t so much break through the fourth wall as smash it into a million tiny pieces.

When Jonny Donahoe’s narrator is seven his mother attempts to end her life. That same day Jonny begins his list of every brilliant thing in the world in an attempt to stop her trying again.

As he grows up the list grows with him, expanding from initial entries like “rollercoasters” and “sunlight” to take in more esoteric elements of his life – even becoming something of an internet hit.

It is Donahoe’s boundless enthusiasm and the audience’s assistance which keeps this play on the rails, and stops it becoming either too harrowing or too mawkish.

The audience becomes part of the list, reading out entries on cue, as well as playing different roles in the story – from Jonny’s dad to his teacher to his first girlfriend.

Donahoe is a fantastic guide through playwright Duncan Macmillan’s story, mixing comic and poignant elements with ease, and bringing the best out of his collaborators.

The important information about suicide, depression and the effects they can have on a family imparted along the way don’t feel forced, and are more memorable as a result.

A fantastic production, and a perfect fit for the pop-up Roundabout space.

Five stars