Review: BE MORE CHILL, Shaftesbury Theatre
Be More Chill has bounced back into the West End with enough energy to blow the roof off the Shaftesbury Theatre!
Whilst the show may at first appear as a bonkers sci-fi musical about a pill-sized supercomputer for teens (which it is), at its root, you'll be surprised to find an all-inclusive musical with a massive heart and excellent message that we'd recommend to just about everyone, regardless of age.
We open on Jeremy Heere, played brilliantly by Scott Folan, mastering Jeremy's journey from incredibly awkward to smooth and full of swagger. It's clear from the start that he harbours feelings for the resident "theatre kid" Christine (Miracle Chance), and once Rich (James Hameed) tells him about a pill that can solve all his problems and help him to "be more chill", Jeremy sees his chance to improve his social status and win the girl of his dreams.
Things are not all as they seem however, as the pill - known throughout the show as a SQUIP - begins to show its true colours, Will Jeremy make the right choice or will the voices in his head get the better of him? This musical is here to take you on this very crazy ride. So strap in tight!
The Squip is represented on stage in the form of Olivier-nominated actor Stewart Clarke, who steals the show by truly commanding the stage whenever he is present. His movement, aided by Chase Brock's creative choreography, is so slick and precise that he truly embodies his character.
The Squip also gives Tyler Micoleau and Beowulf Boritt the chance to shine in both senses of the word with their lighting and set design respectively. The giant LED screen upstage is used to great effect to enhance and aid storytelling. It truly is an example of the future of theatre.
Joe Iconis' Tony-nominated score also thrives in this show. He excels in theming and creating a truly cohesive soundtrack whereby every note and lyric has a purpose, all paying off in the final scene when small reprises are used to create an epic final battle. It's no accident that this soundtrack has been streamed over 497 million times on Spotify. There are some truly clever rhymes used as well, so make sure you listen out during songs such as ‘Looser’, ‘Geek’, ‘Whatever’ or ‘Michael in the Bathroom’.
Speaking of ‘Michael in the Bathroom’, Blake Patrick Anderson (who sings this song) is an absolute delight as Michael Mell throughout the show, offering a voice of reason for us in the audience.
These songs, paired with an all-inclusive book by Joe Tracz, keeps a fast pace and builds momentum through even the most bonkers of scenes and allows your disbelief to be suspended easily, to the point where the kick line about a house fire fits in just fine. And not only that, but in this massive out-of-this-world story, there is time found for small down-to-earth moments of inclusion that give the story its heart. No matter what age, race, shape or size. You'll be able to come and see yourself on stage. It's a truly wonderful and we really hope to see more of this, until it is the norm.
We find this to be a wonderful example of the future of musical theatre, one that bridges the gap between generations and gives us hope. You'll be walking away from this not only singing the songs over in your head, but in an absolutely brilliant mood, and isn't that what we all need right now?
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Callum Wallace
Be More Chill plays at the Shaftesbury Theatre until 5 September. To book tickets, please click here.
