Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham – until 9th November 2025
Reviewed by Emma Millward
5*****
Birmingham may be in the festive mood now that the famous Christmas Market has opened, but for the next week, the Old Joint Stock Theatre is still firmly in the Halloween spirit. Tucked away above a busy pub in the heart of the city, there are few venues quite as stunning and atmospheric. Every time I visit, it feels like I am stepping into a secret cabaret club. As we entered the intimate theatre space, moodily illuminated with green and purple lighting, I Screamed a Scream – A Villains Cabaret promised something mischievous and a little bit different, and it certainly delivered!
This is a musical celebration of the darker side of musical theatre. The production brings together some of the most memorable songs from fairy tale baddies and tortured anti-heroes. The evening is hosted (and performed) by the theatre’s manager, James Edge, always ready with a cheeky quip or a sneaky hint of what to expect next. Joining James are Jessica Lim and Britain’s Got Talent winner Jai McDowall, all three are exceptional performers who showcased their powerful vocal talents. From the opening number, it was clear the performers weren’t merely there to sing the songs but also to embody these devilish characters. What followed was a journey through an eclectic playlist featuring songs from Hamilton, Wicked, Little Shop of Horrors and even High School Musical. There were many surprises along the way, and the audience were always ready to see which direction we would be taken in next.
Jai McDowall brought a suave but menacing edge to several songs within the show, especially ‘Raise a Little Hell’ from Bonnie & Clyde. He also got the opportunity to show his funnier side during ‘Be Prepared’ from The Lion King as he and Jessica Lim donned furry ‘hyena’ ears as they provided backing vocals for James Edge. Edge and McDowall’s rendition of ‘Blue’ from Heathers: The Musical drew much laughter from the crowd, thanks to the clever use of inflatable blue beach balls as a prop. I had the pleasure of seeing Jessica Lim giving an outstanding performance in Old Joint Stock’s ambitious production of Be More Chill earlier this year. Once again, she impressed me with her powerhouse vocal talent, especially during the show-stopping ‘No Good Deed’ from Wicked (complete with green lighting). James Edge had a natural stage presence that won over the crowd straightaway. The sight of him trying to move about as Lord Farquaad from Shrek: The Musical was hilarious.
The set design was simple but effective. It consisted of three microphone stands and an illuminated backdrop that Theatre SSL cleverly used to set the scene. Musical Director Gabrielle Ball’s arrangements of the songs often added a new spin on familiar songs. Choreography was minimal in such a small space, but the performers always gave it their all. The show is just the right length at two hours (including a short interval), and Director Emily Susanne Lloyd ensures every moment is used wisely and keeps the audience captivated.
I Screamed A Scream is a devilishly entertaining evening. If you enjoy musical theatre, have a soft spot for wicked characters and relish the opportunity to cheer the baddie, this is the show for you. It’s a celebration of theatrical villainy and musical talent in equal measure, and it proves that, sometimes, the bad guys really do have the catchiest tunes!