Heathers: The Musical UK Tour
Heathers: The Musical. The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham
Heathers (the film) was the 80’s Mean Girls. Except a lot cooler and a LOT darker. It instantly became a cult hit. It’s the usual story of trying to navigate your way through high school, but it took it to a WHOLE new level. Turning the film into a musical was a stroke of genius. It’s a fantastic musical which itself has become a cult hit and has a huge fan base. When the “Heathers” first appear it’s like Little Mix have just walked on stage. You also don’t need to have seen the film which is testament to how good it is in its own right.
So, the story… Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) is a student at Westberg High. She’s a middling student – not cool, not geeky – just trying to get through it. The “Heathers” (Verity Thompson – and at this performance – Summer Priest and Eliza Bowden) are the clique (the mean girls) that rule the roost, and power dress accordingly (they look fantastic!). Oh, and they’re all called Heather (hence the title). After an encounter where Veronica saves them from getting into trouble for not having a hall pass they decide she can join their ranks. She gets a makeover and boom – she’s a Heather. With that comes power and popularity, but does she want it?
Everything changes again for her when a mysterious new student arrives – J.D. (Jacob Fowler). Dark clothes, head always in a book, full of angst, he’s a world away from the Heathers but there’s an instant attraction between the pair. Then there’s a frat party where head Heather (Chandler) plans a mean trick on usual school target Martha Dunnstock (Kingsley Moreton). Veronica (who was a childhood friend of Martha) stops it and also manages to throw up over Chandler who then banishes her. Next day she (accompanied by J.D.) goes to Chandler’s house to beg forgiveness. And that’s where EVERYTHING changes!
I don’t want to give too much away in case you don’t know what happens, but the rest of the story contains drain cleaner, tipped cows, some guns and a bomb! There is revenge on the mean girls AND the mean jocks ( a wonderful Morgan Jackson and Alex Woodward who bless them perform most of the show in their Y-fronts!).
Although the show is great fun and very funny there are some strong and dark issues: bullying, sexual consent, suicide. It opens a lot of conversations and social commentary.
The songs are fantastic and the voices are fantastic (Innes, Fowler, and Moreton in particular). The whole audience were on their feet the second the last note played. Much deserved for the wonderful cast.
You MUST see this show. It’s the coolest musical you’ll ever see. I guarantee you’ll be obsessed. I could watch it again, and again, and again. Now, game of croquet anyone?
5 stars. It’s SO very.
