Little Brother | Soho Theatre

There’s something innate about the feeling of watching out for your younger siblings. Blessed and burdened with a younger brother myself, in which he is 6 years my junior, I can say with heart that feeling protective doesn’t even cover it. Eoin McAndrew’s darkly comic new play Little Brother hits with grit, tenderness and a comedic streak that lingers.

Emma Jordan’s direction is expertly executed, despite the intense themes it never feels forced, more so as if a microscope has been held to a real life situation and were invited to watch. Alongside McAndrew’s witty and heartfelt script, it is 90 minutes of accomplished storytelling.

Set in modern day Belfast, the play explores the world of two siblings navigating their relationship and mental state when the system sets us up to fail. Cormac McAlinden gives a dynamic and striking performance as Niall, a young man in the midst of a mental health crisis. Paired with the sensational performance of Catherine Rees as Bridget, his older sister, the two actors give powerhouse performances.

Rees is nuanced and utterly compelling, her choices subtle but with a beautiful outcome. Conor O’Donnell and Laura Dos Santos shine in their supporting roles, with comedic timing especially landing. O’Donnell somehow manages to make us laugh and scare us within the same moments, the subtle jealousy in his performance was fantastic.

Brought to life by McAndrew’s deeply authentic writing, the entire cast deserve praise for their work. It’s always amazing to see writing that truly reflects real life, the scenes shift well but occasionally lacking clarity as to the length of the passing of time.

The set and lighting design for this production was impeccable. Zoe Hurwitz’ work is imaginative yet completely suited to the themes. Harsh bright lighting for the early scenes resonated with the hospital moments, the levels of the set and different sections feeling like a nod to the complexities of Niall’s mental state. Collectively the piece as whole feels wonderfully formed.

I left Little Brother feeling moved, questioning the state of the disarray of the systems that are designed to help us and wanting to call my own brothers. If good theatre can do anything... let it be this. When discussing themes of mental health, it is easy to thrust the need for attention upon the audience, the success of this production is that it lacks any sense of this. It’s raw, heartfelt and necessary, welcoming you in.

Little Brother plays at the Soho Theatre until 22nd November 2025.

Tickets and More Information

★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Camilla Greenwell