Be More Chill: Theatre Review

Be More Chill: Theatre Review

‘A Fun & Wacky Teen Thrill’

★★★★

Be More Chill has arrived in London, fresh from its debut on Broadway back in 2018. It’s another teen based musical, taking on the teen trend seen with Everybody’s Talkin’ About Jamie and Dear Evan Hansen. Be More Chill is a unique Sci-Fi, coming-of-age thrill. It features original music and lyrics by Joe Iconis, and a book by Joe Tracz, adapted from the 2004 novel of the same name by Ned Vizzini.

The story follows Jeremy (Scott Folan), a guy who wants to fit in, and Chrida girl who wants to be noticed. However, there is also a supercomputer inside the guy’s head that tells him what to do and it also wants to take over the world. The show is a total mix of weird and wonderful – it’s a delight. 

The show has a similar feel to the classic John Hughes movies (The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off), with its teen centred story. Be More Chill follows Jeremy (Scott Folan), an outcast and nerdy teen who wants to fit in. He soon lines up to audition for drama club, to win over drama-obsessed Christine (Miracle Chance). Jeremy then takes a magic pill called a Squip, which comes from Japan as the rock number ‘It’s from Japan’, will tell you.

The Squip is a pretty seductive concept for nerdy teens; it gives you a ‘personalised chill advisor’ that only you can see, and tells you how to dress, act, and tells you about the deepest insecurities of popular kids. As good as it sounds, it soon becomes incredibly evil, drawing comparisons to a social media addiction. It causes Jeremy to end up becoming a bad friend to best friend Michael (Blake Patrick Anderson), who gets to perform ‘Michael in the Bathroom’ – one of the stand-out moments. 

The music has an authentic and retro feel, which works really well throughout the show. There are clever plot points and plenty of character development – each character gets their chance to shine. The cast each play their role to perfection, masterfully portraying the uniqueness and complexity of each character. Be More Chill brings wackiness, laughs, emotion and nostalgia from the outset. 

This show was a pleasant surprise and while its’ aimed at Young Adults, I think everyone would find enjoyment in this one-of-a-kind musical. It draws similarities with Little Shop Of Horrors and is very reminiscent of Teen films from the 80s. If you’re a fan of either, then you have to come and see this spectacle. 

Be More Chill is currently taking the Shaftesbury Theatre by storm, but it’s only here for a limited run of 10 weeks. Get your tickets here.