Ordinary Days
It’s always a pleasure and delight to be back at The Old Joint Stock Theatre in Birmingham as I have never been disappointed with any production I’ve seen there. Their latest offering is ‘Ordinary Days’ with music and lyrics by Adam Gwon and directed by Karl Steele. This production is by far one of the most accomplished productions I’ve seen at this wonderfully unique Fringe theatre.
The story follows Warren (Aidan Cutler), a hopeful artist handing out philosophical flyers; Deb (Dora Gee), a neurotic grad student who misplaces her thesis notes; Jason (James Edge), an optimistic romantic ready to commit; and Claire (Melisa Camba), a woman grappling with emotional baggage from her past. Through a series of chance encounters and overlapping narratives, their seemingly "ordinary" days become transformative moments of growth, vulnerability, and unexpected beauty.
As we take our seats in the intimate space of The Old Joint Stock Theatre we are greeted by Warren (Aidan Cutler) handing out his notes to various members of the audience. I was lucky enough to receive such a note which read ‘On the road of life, let no obstacle, great or small, stand in your way’. A lovely way to start a show!
The set comprised of numerous wooden boxes used as props to stand/sit on. These were slotted into spaces in the audience which brought the performers into our space, a wonderful way to feel even more immersed in the show. The ceiling was filled with colourful umbrellas which made an impact during the show. A clever use of the space and its surroundings, including one of the final scenes which filled the room with even more colour.
The cast are very much the beating heart of this completely sung through show with a collection of some beautifully worded pieces by Adam Gwon. An outstanding highlight has to be Melisa Camba who bought me to tears with her impeccable show of emotion during “I’ll Be Here”. If you ever get chance to hear this song, especially performed by Melisa, please take it. Dora Gee as Deb shone with her comedic ability, her slightly unhinged persona, and wonderful vocal prowess. Having seen Dora in a previous show at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, I can totally understand why she is back! Aidan Cutler as Warren showed a beautiful vulnerability in his performance, tugging at your heart strings as he yearned for a friend. Thankfully Warren and Deb’s meeting was one of chance, but one that turned into a friendship for life. Last, but not least James Edge took to his own stage to perform as Jason. As Artistic Director of the venue, and Producer of this show, the work that James has been involved in has been exemplary and now he gets to impress with his own ability as an accomplished performer. The cast of four are perfectly suited to their characters and provide a faultless show.
Director Karl Steele and Associate Director Emily Susanne Lloyd have worked so hard to construct a truly believable, heart-warming, heart-breaking and all-encompassing show of compassion, friendship, happiness and love. It was so refreshing to see this range of emotion played out so well and the small space at The Old Joint Stock Theatre used so effectively. I was able to feel totally connected to the show, as if I was the only other person in the room. With a vibrant score and intimate storytelling, ‘Ordinary Days’ captures the small, profound details that shape everyday life and I highly recommend this production to all.
This show was reviewed on the 10th April 2025 at The Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham where it runs until the 20th April 2025. Tickets available here: Ordinary Days - A Musical
Review written by Emma Rowley
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Photo credit: Perro Loco Productions
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