Daniel Radcliffe, known for his role as Harry Potter, is currently receiving acclaim for his performance in the Broadway play *Every Brilliant Thing*. The actor, who has been nominated for a Tony Award in 2026 for Best Leading Actor in a Play, reflects on how the interactive nature of the show has allowed him to engage in a manner he has rarely experienced before. For Radcliffe, the experience has been not just about acting, but about forging connections with the audience, highlighting a previously concealed aspect of his personality.
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In conversations with PEOPLE, Radcliffe expressed how the show’s unique format has provided him with a liberating experience, especially in his journey from childhood stardom to adulthood. “There’s something really liberating about just running around and being like, ‘Hey, I’m Dan. Nice to meet you,'” he remarked. It appears that the usual cloak of anonymity he has worn in public life has been shed, allowing him to genuinely engage with the audience.
The production, which was written by Duncan Macmillan and Jonny Donahoe and directed by Jeremy Herrin and Macmillan, is designed around audience participation. This interaction is not limited to the performance itself; Radcliffe often walks among the audience before the show, fostering a communal atmosphere and inviting them to take part in the unfolding narrative. He clarified that the participation is entirely voluntary and not meant to intimidate theatre-goers. “I think people hear ‘audience participation’ and think, ‘Oh no, I’m going to be dragged up on stage or picked on.’ But that’s not at all how this works,” he said.
The audience involvement in *Every Brilliant Thing* operates on two levels. For the majority of attendees, it consists of responding to prompts during the performance, such as shouting out words from cards. Meanwhile, a handful of selected audience members are invited to take on more prominent roles in the production. Radcliffe described his approach to selecting participants as a sort of “vibe check,” where he gauges the audience’s energy before asking individuals to consider joining in, ensuring they feel comfortable in the process.
Radcliffe has emphasised that the aim of this interaction is to foster a positive experience. “I am only in the business of making people feel good on stage,” he asserted. The spirit of inclusivity and connection reflects Radcliffe’s evolving perspective on performing and shows a great appreciation for the opportunity to engage openly with his audience. He noted the absence of fatigue despite the demanding nature of ensemble-building, expressing his gratitude for the experience. “I think it says a lot about how much I enjoy the show that I don’t find that part exhausting,” he added.
While Radcliffe relishes the chance to connect with audiences simply as “Dan,” he occasionally finds himself reminded of his iconic Harry Potter role during performances. One of the interactive elements of *Every Brilliant Thing* involves audience members offering books for him to incorporate into the scene. Over time, attendees have grown increasingly inventive with their choices, often bringing humour-filled selections or even Harry Potter books, much to Radcliffe’s amusement. “People bring joke books all the time because they want to make me laugh,” he shared.
However, Radcliffe tends to refrain from using books that are overtly linked to his past, aiming to create a moment in which the audience can forget his celebrity status, at least temporarily. “I’m doing the show hoping that people are forgetting what else they know about me, and it’s hard to somehow remind people halfway through of the thing they know you for most,” he explained. Yet, in the name of creativity, fans have come up with clever alternatives. One particularly memorable instance involved an audience member presenting Tom Felton’s autobiography, wrapped in cloth to disguise it. “Obviously I didn’t use it,” Radcliffe chuckled, recognising the ingenuity behind the choice.
With his final performance in *Every Brilliant Thing* scheduled for 24 May, Radcliffe is set to pass the baton to fellow performers Mariska Hargitay and Tracee Ellis Ross, who will take over the role in the following weeks. Tickets for the production are currently available, and anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 Tony Awards, which will occur on 7 June. As Radcliffe embarks on his final performances in this unique role, he carries with him a profound sense of appreciation for the opportunity to connect with audiences in ways that transcend traditional barriers.