What if popularity came in a pill?

Liverpool theatre company What We Did Next will be performing the North West premiere of the critically acclaimed musical ​Be More Chill from the 8th-11th May at The Hope Street Theatre in Liverpool.

The thrilling story of a teenage boy’s quest to become popular and talk to the girl of his dreams with the help of a pill-sized supercomputer.

Be More Chill is ‘the little musical that could’. It started in a small theatre in New Jersey in 2015 and, thanks to an incredible fan following, opened on Broadway in 2019.

Liverpool theatre company, What We Did Next, has the unique opportunity to stage the musical at the same time as its Broadway run, meaning theatre fans in the North West don’t need to look further than Hope Street to see New York’s hottest new show.

And it was all thanks to Liverpool-based superfan, Jess Sutcliffe.

“I have loved this show ever since first listening to the soundtrack two years ago. I had never directed a musical before, but I knew I wanted to direct this show and bring it to Liverpool. Being a part of this company has helped bring all my ideas to fruition and it’s so incredible to see the show come to life. I can’t wait for audiences to see it!” Jess Sutcliffe, Co-Director.

Jess is co-directing with Andrew Ab, who previously directed Rent and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change for What We Did Next.

“It’s amazing to work on a show that has only been performed a handful of times around the world. We get to be really creative and put our own stamp on a show that’s going to get bigger and bigger. The music is so addictive, and we feel incredibly privileged to be bringing this show to a Liverpool audience who will hopefully leave the theatre humming the tunes.” Andrew Ab, Co-Director.

For What We Did Next it’s an exciting opportunity to perform at The Hope Street Theatre for the first time and to add to its extensive musical theatre repertoire, which it has built up over the last ten years.

The company has previously delighted local audiences with their take on several modern and classic musicals such as Pippin, Bonnie & Clyde, Bat Boy, Carousel, Rent, The Last 5 Years, Company and Into the Woods.

What We Did Next was founded during Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture Year in 2008, by a group of recent University of Liverpool graduates looking for an outlet for their creativity, while starting out in various careers in and around the city. A decade on, they are thriving as a company and very much a part and a product of Liverpool’s vibrant cultural scene.

The company defines itself as a team of ‘Professional Amateurs’. Members include doctors, teachers, photographers and those who are training for a career on the stage, who come together to produce professional-standard theatre that otherwise may not be seen in the city.

Tickets for Be More Chill at the Hope Street Theatre are £12-£15 (plus £1 booking fee) and are available from the Ticket Quarter Box Office. The Saturday 11th performance has already SOLD OUT so get tickets quick so you don’t miss out!