Well done to the Be More Chill company. This new musical had just had its successful UK premiere and announced a lengthy extension at The Other Palace when Covid shut it down in March 2020.
‘Colourful & vibrant production’: BE MORE CHILL – Shaftesbury Theatre
While this musical has plenty for young people to relate to, Be More Chill could have gone into a lot more depth in exploring important issues such as body image and anxiety.
‘Teenage angst in the bathroom… & classroom’: BE MORE CHILL – Shaftesbury Theatre / HEATHERS – Theatre Royal Haymarket
There comes a point in every lifelong theatre lover’s career when you suddenly wake up and wonder: am I simply too old for this? Ben Brantley, former chief critic of the New York Times, hit this particular critical nail on the head when he ended his review of the 2018 Off-Broadway summer run of the cult musical Be More Chill (before it was propelled to Broadway in turn) by advising: “It may be helpful to think of this bounding, exhaustingly enthusiastic puppy of a show as the theatrical equivalent of one of those high-pitched dog whistles that only those under 25 can hear.”
NEWS: Be More Chill returns to the West End for the summer
Musical Be More Chill is set to return, this time at the Shaftesbury Theatre from 30 June to 5 September 2021. The limited 10-week run follows the show’s success on Broadway, Off-Broadway and at London’s The Other Palace until it was forced to close in March last year due to the pandemic.
‘Weirdly retro’: BE MORE CHILL – The Other Palace
Clearly something in Be More Chill has touched a chord with today’s youth, but catchy songs written by committee to hit the teen feelz doesn’t make up for a weak book and problematic politics.
REVIEW ROUND-UP: Be More Chill at The Other Palace
Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews for the UK premiere of the Broadway musical Be More Chill.
Best of the Blogs: A Number, Be More Chill, Netflix & Chill & more
In our continuing series, editor Lisa Martland picks out some of her Top Picks from the last week of theatre (to 23 February 2020), including Aleks Sierz’s thoughts on the Bridge Theatre’s timely revival of Caryl Churchill’s 2002 play A Number
NEWS: Be More Chill extends run & becomes longest running show at The Other Palace
The producers of the UK premiere of Joe Iconis’ Be More Chill which premiered last week have announced a six-week extension to 14 June 2020, making it the longest running musical at London’s The Other Palace.
‘Fresh & fun with a lot of heart’: BE MORE CHILL – The Other Palace ★★★★
With an infectious soundtrack, bags of energy and a brilliant cast, this is a unique and entertaining production. It’s easy to see why Be More Chill is a fan favourite and long may it last.
Love London Love Culture’s Theatre Picks for February
Here’s Love London Love Culture’s monthly guide to some of the best shows opening in February 2020.
Mind The Blog’s top five musical choices for 2020
If you’re struggling with all the choice, Mind The Blog has come up with her top five musicals you do not want to miss in 2020.
NEWS: Casting announced for London production of Be More Chill
Casting for the UK premiere of Be More Chill, the hit Broadway musical has been announced. The lead roles of Jeremy Heere will be played by Scott Folan and Michael Mell by Blake Patrick Anderson
NEWS: Broadway musical Be More Chill will make its UK premiere at The Other Palace
Broadway fan favourite musical Be More Chill is to transfer to London to make its UK premiere at The Other Palace, playing from 12 February to 3 May 2020, with press night on 18 February.
Mark Shenton previews what theatre he is looking forward to in 2019: From London to Broadway
We’ve said goodbye to 2018 — including a look back at some of the year’s highlights and lowlights. Now it’s time to look ahead to 2019 — and offer my picks of the year so far announced.