"Be More Chill" by BJW ProductionsBJW Productions

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

This is one musical that I have not seen before, although I knew of it and have the soundtrack, and it's probably a brave choice for BJW Productions to choose this lesser-known teen musical to perform. But BJW are no stranger to putting on the lesser-known musical, following on from "Twisted" and "The Mad Ones" and making them successes for the company. This was a choice that paid off because the theatre was pretty busy on their opening night.

"Be More Chill" centres on Jeremy, a sweaty, gawky teen who wants to shed his nerdiness and virginity. Jeremy, and best friend Michael, are the outcasts who no one pays attention to, and while Michael accepts this, Jeremy desperately wants to climb the social ladder and find the courage to ask Christine to go out with him. First, he lines up to audition for drama club, in pursuit of acting-obsessed Christine. Then he takes a magic pill called a Squip, (Super Quantum Unit Intel Processor), which comes from Japan.

The Squip is a pretty seductive concept for nerdy teens; it gives you a kind of personalised chill advisor that only you can see, who tells you how to dress, how to act, and all about the deepest insecurities of the popular kids who seem so normal. Jeremy's squip was channelling Keanu Reeves circa The Matrix era. As soon as it rolls on to the scene it’s also clear that it’s deeply evil.

Just when it seems that this evil was about to take over the whole school, a remedy is found, but by whom? How can our hero save the world? And will he be as popular and "chilled" when he is back to his normal nerdy self? Only one way to find out readers!!

Arden Jennison (Scary Stockboy), Harvey Latter (Party Monster), Millen Scrivener (Brooke - who takes a shine to the new Jeremy), Emily Knight (Chloe - who has a brilliant bedroom scene trying to seduce Jeremy at the Halloween Party), Beth Yearsley (Jenna), Robert McAuley (Jake - the object of Christine's affections, but he is an absolute cad where the ladies are concerned), Matt McAuley (Rich Goranski - the bully who introduces Jeremy to the magical Squip), all excellent in their roles as the college kids.

Billy Sweet as Michael Mell - Jeremy's loyal best friend, is the sort of friend that every person should have to stand their corner, whether it is playing video games, or for best friendly advice. Billy is a young actor I can't recall noticing in the past, I may be wrong - I'm getting on a bit now - but what I did notice was his vocals and especially in one of my favourite songs from the soundtrack, "Michael in The Bathroom" which gives Billy to sing with real emotion.

Adam Guest as Mr Heere, Jeremy's Dad, who walked around without trousers - there is a reason, also doubled as Mr Reyes, the drama teacher who reveals that the school play will be "A Midsummer Night's Dream" set in a post-apocalyptic future, re-titled A Midsummer Nightmare (About Zombies). Adam turns in an extremely comic performance as both characters, earning him a large show of appreciation from the enthusiastic audience. I must note as well that I have seen more of Adam in this production than any other that I can remember!

Natalie Webster as Christine Canigula, also turns in a brilliantly comic performance as the likeable and just a little scatty crush of Jeremy's. She oozes friendly warmth and you can see why Jeremy developed the crush on this character, and Natalie brought out and developed the character wonderfully.

Andrew Bould as The Squip shows off his powerful vocals throughout this musical. I have seen Andrew several times over the years but, while noting his vocal capabilities, seemed to find a vehicle for his powerful voice in this one. Exceedingly well cast. I had visions of him playing The Phantom in Phantom Of the Opera because of this menacing, physical performance and his strong vocals. And dressed in that long black Matrix coat and glasses, you would not want to meet this character in a dark alley!

Aiden Carson as our hero, Jeremy, at first was not recognised by me due to the geeky glasses, but as soon as he started to sing, there was no mistaking that clarity. I loved the way that Aiden got under the skin of the character, shoulders stooped, almost beaten down by the bullies and his lot with life. His stature grew physically as his confidence, due to the Squip, also grew. It is a tribute to Aiden's acting that in the past few months I have seen Aiden play several, very different roles and like a chameleon, he fits the skin of the character of every role he takes on. Another excellent character-driven performance.

Directed by Beth Yearsley with Associate Director Andrew Buxton. They have really hit the nail on the head with this show on every level, including the casting.

Conducted by Ben Ward. The soundtrack is full of ear-worm songs that will bug you long after you leave the theatre. High energy dance numbers sit comfortably alongside tender ballads, giving the musical depth and self-awareness.

The Sound Design was by Harry Greatorex and operated by Martin Curtis with Lighting Design and operation by Jamie Vella. All three creating a perfect setting and ambience to the different scenes of this sci fi musical.

Stage Manager tonight was Sophie Slater-Evans, who I imagine was kept on her toes with this fast-moving show.

I don't know who the choreography was by but they did an excellent job.

"Be More Chill" shines a spotlight on youth culture, but much more than this, it's great fun, not only for sci-fi fans, but anyone who loves a good story with a brilliant soundtrack to remove you from the worries and stress from modern life, just the other side of those theatre doors, if only for a couple of hours.

"Be More Chill" is at the Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton until Saturday 28 August.

And by the way, no Eminems were harmed during this performance.