Dark, camp and completely unstoppable! Heathers seems to be the phoenix of the musical world: a non-stop conveyer belt of endless cast changes and new UK tours; rising from the ashes and getting stronger with each new lease of life. This current touring production is no exception.
Based on the late ‘80s cult film of the same name, Heathers is a black comedy centring around three popular girls at high school – all named Heather. Like every cliché stereotype of an American, bitchy teenage girl, the Heathers rule the school and go out of their way to ruin the lives of others: think Mean Girls but before the internet era. Our protagonist Veronica, an intelligent misfit with hopes of going to Harvard, gets sucked into the soulless pit of adolescent power and gains a superficial friendship with the Heathers in exchange for her talent for forging handwriting. In the commotion of hiking her way up the high school hierarchy, Veronica stumbles across the new kid at school; a brooding, literary-quoting teenage boy with a mysterious and seductive flare. JD – as he calls himself, entices Veronica into a series of dark actions, resulting in multiple murders, disguised as suicides.
Firstly, it must be mentioned that the hype from London’s original production of Heathers has not shown any sign of dying down – with Corn Nuts (nickname for the Heathers fandom) arriving at the theatre in full cosplay and screaming at the entrance of the Heathers on stage, as if John Lennon had risen from the dead and gave a one-night-only performance. The stage was truly electric – with the casting being impeccably on point, even with multiple understudies on. The score for this show is its biggest selling point; endless up-tempo, catchy bangers such as ‘Candy Store’ and ‘Big Fun,’ indulgent, dramatic ballads full of teen-angst, and of course, the musical’s signature tune ‘Dead Girl Walking’ – stirring the hormones of all the pubescent fandom in the auditorium. Booming through the theatre, was the bountiful music directed by Will Joy – a luscious sound amplifying the rock/pop score to his fullest potential.
Veronica Sawyer, played by Jenna Innes, was outstanding – the personification of teenage woe - vocals so impressive yet so effortless. The chemistry between her and her antagonist/lover JD, played by Jacob Fowler was sublime. His sinister yet charming demeanour left the audience feeling both in love and incredibly on-edge. With dreamy, rich vocals that never faltered – this on-stage couple ran the show to perfection.Heathers will be soaring through the New Alexandra Theatre until 20th May – a fan-favourite cult musical you’ll be sad to miss!
Review by Esther Neville
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Dress Circle, H33 | Price of Ticket: £48.00
TW: Theme of suicide/Glorified suicide
