A Little Bawl of Pain is a celebration of all things in Musical Theatre that bring a tear to the eye. As we approach the glummest time of the year (with performances ending just before so-called ‘Blue Monday’ next week) The Old Joint Stock Theatre encourages its audience to lean into the misery, whip out a hanky, and get emotional.

The programme comprises a selection of ‘tear-jerker’ numbers from the world of Musical Theatre, brought to life by five talented performers in the intimate surroundings of the Birmingham pub theatre. The evening is compered by the venue’s manager, James Edge, who is also one of the three core vocal performers. Edge keeps the evening lighthearted, no matter how many heart strings are tugged upon, and introduces his fellow performers with charm, providing enough context for a Musical Theatre novice.

The entire two-hour performance is expertly accompanied by The Old Joint Stock’s resident musical director, Callum Thompson, who not only set and arranged several numbers, but lent his voice to the performance on multiple occasions - notably representing the role of a whole army from Miss Saigon.

There are plenty of familiar numbers in the cast’s repertoire, but also a few less well-known songs - so whatever your MT experience, there are likely to be a few surprises along the way. The show begins with a medley of songs from Les Miserables, performed by Edge alongside the two other core performers, Sinead Kelly and Federica Basile. 

Kelly and Basile’s contrasting voices provide real variety throughout the show - showing the best of their range in the solo numbers, and blending beautifully in duets and ensemble pieces. Kelly gave belting, dramatic performances - particularly in Losing My Mind from Follies, and a turn as Nancy (from Oliver!) in As Long As He Needs Me. On the other hand, Basile gave a pure and almost impossibly high vocal performance in Carousel's You’ll Never Walk Alone, and was a joy to watch in No Good Deed from Wicked.

The four core performers were joined on stage by a fifth guest singer - on this occasion the audience was treated to a display of impressive, wide-ranging vocals from Dom Hartley-Harris, who offered performances of songs from Hamilton and Ragtime, before his final solo performance of I’ll Cover You from Rent brought the house down.

A Little Bawl of Pain is an unabashed journey through Musical Theatre’s weepiest moments. Admittedly, anyone who runs a mile from the melodrama of musicals might want to avoid this particular offering from the Old Joint Stock - but it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone seeking an introduction to the form, die-hard fans, or even those who simply love an impressive vocal performance.

Four Stars

A Little Bawl of Pain was reviewed by Jessica Clixby at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, where it runs until Sunday 19 January