(L-R) Liberty Stottor, Gerardine Sacdalan, Lou Henry and Jessica Ibadin in Heathers The Musical at The Arts at Marble Arch, London and Touring. Picture: Pamela Raith
Heathers The Musical continues at The Arts at Marble Arch, London until 22 August 2026. The show then tours until 1 May 2027.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills’ superb production of Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s adaptation of Daniel Walters’ original movie has returned to London and is sure to continue receiving standing ovations throughout the summer. Get set to grab your croquet mallet and ward off the bullies! ‘Dear Diary, for the love of God, we are all worth saving.’
A sensitive band ups the ante when required, which is pretty often, and specifically conjures romantic, threatening and uplifting moods, supported by strong sound design from Dan Samson. The tipping and turning of cafeteria trays becomes a guard of honour for the arrival of the Heathers as the atmosphere of the busy high school canteen is brought to life.
Gary Lloyd and Emma Hunter are to be congratulated for their outstanding choreographic contribution to the momentum this story needs, providing a backbone of dynamic dance scenes and ever-characterful movement underpinning comic strip-style performances skilfully-directed by Andy Fickman.
The parallel partnerships of frustrated friends Ram and Kurt and their ultimately rainbow-tied gay dads are a fine example of comedy duos that come off at every appearance. Beau Jackson, making his professional stage debut as Ram, moves expertly in sync with Markus Södergren as Kurt. In their matching underpants, these boys are surely Shaggy and Scooby reborn at Westerberg High?
Leading the cast, Gerardine Sacdalan gives a wonderful performance as Veronica, demonstrating glorious emotional vocal abilities in several of the best numbers. She is well supported by Louis Hearsey as Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean who really shines when ranting and raging, gradually becoming so unhinged that he feels he can no longer exist in the real world.
Playing Heather Chandler, Liberty Stottor has powerful stage presence and conveys a wide range of emotions as a ghostly tragi-comic figure par excellence.
Blink and you could miss the ‘Bucks Fizz’ velcro costume change which transforms the personality of Heather Duke, portrayed by Jessica Ibadin, making a really strong stage debut with some bewitching facial expressions. Lou Henry’s characterisation of Heather McNamara, featuring some great storytelling through song, plays off the other Heathers really well.
Veronica Carabai brings an exuberance to her role as the teacher Ms Fleming, a contrast to her performance as Veronica’s anxious mother.
As Martha, Sophie Manners proves to be a dab hand at manoeuvring a sparkly mobility scooter, but even better is her comic timing and peach of a voice. During her stonking Act II solo, she commands the auditorium. It’s an impressive debut performance.
Hidden corners of the school come into their own for particularly intense moments, thanks to David Shields’ effective set, and Ben Cracknell’s lighting design has great impact, particularly as the story reaches its dramatic conclusion.
Offering feel-good fun with sinister undertones, toxic teenage angst and more than a smattering of mature themes, Heathers The Musical is the perfect excuse to dig out your snazzy plaid, matching socks and scrunchies, snack on corn nuts, and be 17 again – whether you ever felt ‘normal’ or not.
Charlotte Purkis
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