The Mad Ones

Patrick Lay at The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre, Birmingham – Thursday 11^th April 2024

The Mad Ones is a musical written by Kait Kerrigan and Bree Lowdermilk produced in association with Concord Theatricals Ltd at the The Old Joint Stock Pub & Theatre in Birmingham.

The story is centred around four characters.  Sam is the main character who is 18 and reliving her final year at school whilst contemplating which direction she wants her life to go.  Her best friend Kelly, is impulsive and fearless and as the story unfolds, we learn she was tragically killed in a car accident which has a profound effect on Sam.  The other two characters are Bev who is Sam's well-intentioned yet over bearing mother and Adam who is Sam's high school sweetheart.

The set was simple and versatile with the story focused around a car that was adaptable and transformed back and forth into other props throughout the different scenes.

It was a very moving story when you saw the unbreakable bond Sam had with Kelly, and how instrumental Kelly was to help Sam bring out her more daring side.  There were also some amusing scenes to make light of the physical and emotional pressures teenagers invariably face when trying to make their mark in life. 

Brilliantly acted by all four characters, the raw emotion from the cast could be seen throughout the performance.  All had superb singing voices which reverberated around the theatre.  Sat in the front row of this cosy and intermate theatre, I felt that I was actually part of the musical itself, especially as there was lots of eye contact with the cast throughout the performance. 

If I had to choose, I would say that my favourite character was Kelly with her live life to the full attitude which was very infectious, whilst also being such a loyal friend to Sam.

Given the small size of the venue, I actually feel that it takes more courage and concentration for the cast to perform to a much more visible audience compared to a large stage and venue where people are more set back and anonymous.

The production opened on Wednesday 10^th April and runs until Saturday 20^th April – an absolute must watch that is so expressive and full of emotion.