Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – until 31st August 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
The cult musical Be More Chill arrived at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock Theatre this week with a burst of colour, chaos and computer game nostalgia, the show proves that even in the most intimate venues, big stories can be told with explosive impact. Playing throughout August, this high-octane production makes clever use of its compact setting and draws the audience into a fast-paced story of unrequited love, the desire to fit in and some undeniably catchy tunes! Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini, and with music and lyrics by Joe Iconis and Joe Tracz. With a cast of 10 outstanding performers, Be More Chill is the largest production that The Old Joint Stock has ever produced. It also marks a major milestone for the venue, as it is their first production under the Equity House Agreement, which champions fair pay and professional standards in fringe theatre.
Set in an American high school, Be More Chill follows painfully awkward Jeremy Heere (Tom Dickerson) who is desperately in love with Christine (Shannon Bourne), who is more interested in Jake (Harry Chamberlain). Jeremy discovers a pill-sized supercomputer, or The SQUIP, that implants in the user’s brain and promises to make them more cool and confident. The SQUIP (Tommy Fouweather) appears as a Matrix-inspired guide that only Jeremy can see, telling him what to say and do. Jeremy soon makes a good impression with the popular kids at school, especially Brooke (Ailsa Erskine) and Chloe (Maya Jade Frank), but ends up pushing away his best friend Michael (Jack Carr). Jeremy soon realises the influence of The SQUIP is not always a positive one.
The ensemble cast works well together and the chemistry between them is already evident only a few shows into the run. The cast each gets their own time to shine throughout the show. Tom Dickerson gives an outstanding and relatable performance as Jeremy. Shannon Bourne gives just the right level of quirkiness to Christine without it turning into a parody of teen comedy love interests. Jack Carr as Michael undoubtedly has the best song in the show, the beautifully sad ‘Michael In The Bathroom’, which deserved the prolonged applause it received. Tommy Fouweather gives an electric performance as the increasingly ominous SQUIP. Jessica Lin showcases her vocal talents as the gossiping Jenna. Steven Rostance’s multiple roles drew many laughs, especially as the scary stockboy who sells The SQUIP to Jeremy. John OG gives a frenetic performance as Rich, who is the first to realise the dangerous impacts of the new technology.
The Old Joint Stock’s small space is used imaginatively. Liam Alexandru and Theatre SSL’s clever use of lighting and video projections on twelve strategically placed screens bring the SQUIP to life, acting as a digital narrator throughout. They flash up information on each character and what is happening in each scene, with lots of sneaky jokes for the eagle-eyed, and even a sneak peek at future productions at the theatre. Choreographer William Spencer manages the restrictions of a smaller stage area extremely well. The close proximity of the action added an almost immersive aspect to the show, especially during scenes where the characters seemed to be directly addressing the audience. The songs under Callum Thompson’s musical direction are irresistibly catchy and some are firmly stuck in my head as I write this review!! Director James Edge has achieved his ambitious, if slightly risky vision of bringing a large-scale production to a small theatre space.
For fans of offbeat musicals, or anybody curious about what it means to be yourself in a hyper-connected world, Be More Chill at the Old Joint Stock is a must-see. It is a bold, weird and captivating show.