Be More Chill at Old Joint Stock Birmingham Review
Written by Jenna for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Imagine a pill that could take you from a High School Nerd to a cool, confident, popular kid? The premise of Be More Chill is simple, but combined with incredible songs, laugh-out-loud humour, relatable characters, and a hugely talented cast, I guarantee this musical will get inside your brain!
I was already familiar with the original New Jersey cast recording of the musical (Music and Lyrics by Joe Iconis), the songs telling the story (written by Joe Tracz and based on the novel by Ned Vizzini) of Jeremy, the computer geek determined to change his life using a pill-sized supercomputer called a “SQUIP”. The songs are catchy and memorable; some particular favourites were “Sync up” (one that I was unfamiliar with as it was added to the Broadway production), which gives a great insight into the motives of each character, and the powerful “Loser Geek Whatever” which ends the first act.
Clever staging at the intimate Old Joint Stock Theatre uses retro computer graphics (designed by Liam Alexandru) on screens to engage the audience, illustrating the different ‘levels’ of Jeremy’s journey and providing details about how the SQUIP operates inside Jeremy’s mind. There were a couple of technology issues, but these were well managed and did not spoil my enjoyment of the show.
Tom Dickerson is perfect in the lead role, believably moving from a ‘loser’ to a ladies’ man under the control of the SQUIP, ingeniously played by Tommy Fouweather. Shannon Bourne is adorable as Jeremy’s love interest Christine, a neurodivergent drama student. I enjoyed the contrast between Christine’s self-acceptance and Jeremy’s self-loathing, her influence being part of his eventual realisation that being yourself is the only way to truly connect with people.
Jack Carr plays Jeremy’s best friend Michael, giving us one of the stand-out performances of the show with his passionate rendition of ‘Michael in the bathroom’. He too is a positive influence in Jeremy’s life, along with his well-meaning father (Steven Rostance, who is also hilarious as Mr Reyes the drama teacher and Scary Stockboy). The ‘popular kids’ that make up the rest of the characters all have impeccable comic timing and some great vocals (be prepared for Jessica Lim as Jenna to blow you away in act 2!) and I was impressed by the overall energy and commitment of the entire cast.
Director James Edge brings creativity, depth, and humour to each scene, along with superb choreography by William Spencer, which is well executed by the cast, particularly in the limited space at the OJS. There is a small-but-perfectly-formed live band, which adds to the atmosphere, and the production uses imaginative ways to make the most of the space available. I do feel that a larger venue would have allowed Be More Chill to achieve its full potential, as at times it felt a little crowded and loud in such a tiny theatre.
This musical feels fresh and current, particularly given the rise of artificial intelligence and the use of technology as a way of forging connections. I wonder whether some older audience members may struggle to relate to the themes of the show, which is perhaps better suited to a younger generation. The underlying message for me is that your mind is already a supercomputer; it has the power to ‘sync up’ with others, it allows you to make your own choices, and is what makes you unique as an individual.
Be More Chill plays at Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre in Birmingham until 31st August.
★ ★ ★ ★
