REVIEW | Heathers The Musical.
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| Credit: Pamela Raith Photography |
Heathers The Musical
Theatre Royal Haymarket, London
★★★★★
When the news that the musical reinvention of this 1988 high-school comedy film would be returning for both another West End run and a big UK tour in 2021, their devoted fanbase went wild! Winner of London’s Whatsonstage.com Awards for Best New Musical in 2019, Heathers returns to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for a limited time only and is the definitive Big Fun you do not want to miss! The cult classic musical adaptation is vibrant, punchy and arrives with a (mostly) brand new cast within its wings.
Unfortunately, news restricted the initial production to abandon social distancing, meaning they had the arduous task of rearranging their space under government guidelines. Heathers has gone down an absolute storm with audiences and even with their capacity decreased, this production doesn’t lack the buzz and excitement of a show.
Leading the cast is Christina Bennington (Bat Out Of Hell) as the naïve, yet fierce and determined Veronica Sawyer. Bennington brings new life to this story, keeping us firmly in our seats with her effortless performance from start to finish. She belts the notes and manages to command the stage entirely without fault, she has fitting facial expression that leads us through this quick paced story. Her rendition of I Say No leaves you with goose bumps, Bennington demonstrates the skill and commitment it takes to become the perfect leading women, whilst making it entirely her own and fresh to those committed audiences who have probably seen Heathers The Musical more than once. Alongside her is &Juliet‘s Jordan Luke Gage who plays the smooth, sexy, rebellious and…. psychotic JD faultlessly. The pair complement one another well and do certainly shine in bringing this West End show back to the forefront of its popularity with audiences once again.
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| Credit: Pamela Raith Photography |
Jodie Steele returns as the only Original West End cast member and steps back into the shoes of the ruthless Heather Chandler with ease. We love to hate this superior of the popular Heather’s trio, although she meets her end in the first act, she still manages to make her mark as a ghost throughout the rest of the show to mirror Veronica’s guilt. Steele’s interpretation of the bully is nothing short of brilliance; her presence and influence on the characters never goes unnoticed and she has fantastic comedic timing. This adds the perfect layer of humour to this considerably dark story. Joining her to make the bold threesome is Bobbie Little (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Frances Mayli McCann (Evita) who do an excellent job at the power struggling Heather Duke and apprehensive Heather McNamara. Little and McCann’s portrayals of these formidable characters are unique and they definitely portray how these young women become their own after the demise of Heather Chandler.
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| Credit: Pamela Raith Photography |
The entire production cast is energetic and also shows the typical High School happenings and how crazy they can be for young people trying to figure out who they are. Their energy oozes from the stage and brings every speck of the story to life. You’ll be moved by Madison Swan’s rendition of Kindergarten Boyfriend as Veronica’s forgotten friend, Martha Dunnstock is one of the unforgettable performances of the show. Her vocals have the perfect balance of delicacy and power behind every note that is really moving.
Heathers the Musical is punchy, ‘BIG FUN’ musical that really has you strapped into your seat. Not forgetting that the musical score is one you’ll be humming as you exit from the theatre. Whether you are seeing the show for its nostalgia, incredible cast, or ridiculously catchy music numbers, you do not want to miss your opportunity to see it for yourself.
Heathers The Musical is performing for a limited time only. Book your tickets now from £27.50, click the image below.