Heathers The Musical continues at the Leeds Grand Theatre until 14 August 2021, then tours to 11 December 2021.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Dear Diary… Heathers is back with a bang! Based on the 1989 film of the same name, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers The Musical is touring across the UK for the first time, directed by Andy Fickman.
Veronica Sawyer (Rebecca Wickes), an intelligent, overlooked teenager, makes her way into the most powerful and admired clique at school, the Heathers (Maddison Firth, Merryl Ansah and Lizzy Parker), to put an end to the abuse she gets from her peers.
Failing this, Veronica falls for Jason Dean, or JD (Simon Gordon), the new, mysterious guy at school. He persuades her to confront the people who have done her wrong yet tricks her into murdering them together, masking their deaths as suicide. It becomes all too much for Veronica and she realises how toxic her relationship is, and how unstable JD is. She breaks up with him and tries to put a stop to the reign of bullying terror, now the main culprits have died.
Wickes is the embodiment of a naive, giggling teenager. She is so lovable which makes her easy to instantly relate to and empathise with. The actress’ magnificent on-stage presence means you can’t take your eyes off her and the vocals (‘I Say No’ is a standout) are incredible. The performance is just so flawless that it will leave you with chills.
Accompanying Wickes is Gordon who offers his own unique spin on JD. There is a subtle eeriness about him as soon as he appears on stage which develops throughout the show. Gordon’s JD definitely appears more emotionally damaged rather than completely psychotic which makes you feel sorry for the character, even though you should feel the complete opposite. While it seems like the songs don’t sit right in the actor’s vocal range, his performance is nothing short of wonderful.
The eponymous Heathers, Firth, Ansah and Parker are the perfect bad girl trio. Firth, as Chandler, commands the stage and offers killer vocals, along with the most amazing comedic timing when you least expect it.
Ansah (Duke) doesn’t really get a time to shine. While the vocals are impeccable and there’s no denying her talent, this performance is less captivating than one would hope, but may fall into place later on in the run.
Parker (McNamara) is so charming. The quietest out of the three Heathers, and often the least appreciated character, her rendition of ‘Lifeboat’ is so sincere as she pours out her heart and soul, only to be undermined by Duke.
Praise to Mhairi Angus who plays the ever-hopeful Martha Dunnstock. Her rendition of ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’ is delicate and effortless and really tugs on your heartstrings.
Together with the most incredible ensemble, Liam Doyle (Kurt Kelly), Rory Phelan (Ram Sweeney) and Georgina Hagen (Ms Fleming/Veronica’s Mom) really shine, providing the most perfect comedy relief during the darker content in the show.
Granted, this show isn’t for everyone with its dark themes of bullying, suicide and sexual assault mixed up with a number of catchy songs and frequently immature jokes. However, its message of kindness and equality will never lose its poignancy and relevance.
With this show you’re guaranteed a night of ‘Big Fun’, so book your tickets now!
Emily Shepherd
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