Based on the 1989 film ‘Heathers‘ starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, ‘Heathers The Musical‘ is a dark comedy about growing up and trying to fit in at school.
Seventeen-year-old Veronica Sawyer just wants an easy life. She makes a deal with ‘The Heathers’ (three girls who all share the same name) to join their popular clique in exchange for access to her talent of forging teachers’ handwriting to get out of classes. But Veronica soon realises that she doesn’t agree with the girls devilish and bullying ways and teams up with new boyfriend JD to get revenge. But JD’s plans are a little more sinister than Veronica’s and before long she is caught up in a murder spree.
The UK productions have seen some brilliant casting choices over the last few years but something about this new cast, back in its original home at The Other Palace, just feels perfect. It’s young, fresh and vibrant and comes to life on stage.
Alisa Davidson has natural elements of Winona Ryder in her character of Veronica, without ever trying to imitate her and is a perfect fit for the role. There is an air of innocence about her and she is well-matched with Freddie King as JD, with both of them blending together to form a believable connection. All three of ‘The Heathers’ perform well. Emma Kingston as Heather Chandler, Inez Budd as Heather Duke and Teleri Hughes as Heather McNamara. They are all such wonderfully written characters that the performers playing them just have to allow themselves to shine and these girls do. George Maddison and Tom Scanlon are wonderfully comical as school jock buffoons Kurt and Ram and Kieran Brown and Sam Ferriday are given their moment to shine in the second act with the song “My Dead Gay Son”. Finally, after wowing audiences at the London Coliseum last Summer as Tracy Turnblad in ‘Hairspray’, Lizzie Bea shows she is more than a one-trick pony giving a sensational performance as Martha Dunnstock.
Featuring an electrifying array of iconic rock/pop songs including “Candystore”, “Freeze Your Brain”, “Seventeen”, “My Dead Gay Son” and “Dead Girl Walking”, ‘Heathers The Musical’ will have you bopping along in your seat for the whole night.
★★★★★
Reviewed by West End Wilma