I Screamed A Scream – Old Joint Stock, Birmingham

Director: Emily Susanne Lloyd

What do four singers, one pianist extraordinaire, plus a full house of musical theatre lovers equal? An evening of hair-raising hilarity and happiness.

I Screamed a Scream at Birmingham’s Old Joint Stock is an original cabaret put together and hosted by James Edge featuring three top-notch musical theatre performers. As this is Hallowe’en week, the songs are from the dastardliest villains on stage and screen. Although these characters are usually scary, when combined on one stage, they make for an evening of laughs and scene-stealing, show-stopping performances.

Musical theatre fans are sure to be delighted by the selection of well-known fan favourites and not-so-well-known super-fan-favourites. But non-musical theatre fans, if being dragged along, are sure to find something to enjoy in the incredible talent and humour on the stage.

Opening with a Disney villain mash-up originally written by Thomas Sanders, the pack of singers expertly brings a range of classic musical miscreants, beloved Disney devils, and a sprinkling of contemporary musical theatre baddies to life. Host James Edge introduces each song with little hints, teasing the audience in his charismatically cheeky way until he finally reveals the title. He is joined by three high-powered musical theatre vocalists: Lydia Eliza Roberts, Sinead Kenny, and Haydn Cox.

Cox has a powerful belt and handles his significantly difficult songs with ease and pizzazz. Kenny, despite being introduced by Edge as an intimidating performer, exudes warmth and power, which makes her characters likeably scary. Edge sings as well as hosting, bringing comedic flair to classic criminals and to his chatter with the audience. Roberts’ voice rises to the top, with an unbelievable range that transcends the whole experience of the night. However, the ultimate scene-stealer is the musical director, Callum Thompson. At first, he is positioned as the faithful pianist for the evening, until he is made to be the unwilling yet hilarious backing vocalist in a number of songs – costume sometimes provided.

For two hours, the Old Joint Stock becomes enveloped in the joy of wickedness. I Screamed a Scream is a horrifyingly terrific way to spend an evening, complete with audience participation and a cast of superstar performers. Director Emily Susanne Lloyd has helped to shape a glorious evening with the help of her excellent company of performers. Although it is mostly family-friendly, this event is likely to be more fun for adults – with Edge’s very slightly edgy humour and readily available drinks, this is a perfect evening event for adults to get their tricks in. The team at the Old Joint Stock have a verifiable hit on their hands, one that is sure to become an annual Halloween treat.

Runs until 1 November 2024