Clueless The Musical, Trafalgar Theatre Review
Clueless The Musical production image. Photo by Pamela Raith
Written by Mia for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
As if there’s another 90s film receiving a musical makeover! Cult classic Clueless - inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma - brings its chequered drama to the stage and we are like totally buggin’ and so ready to RSVP. But does it succeed?
Sporadically (as Cher would say). Although there’s a lot to love, somehow it feels like it misplaced its original creative team halfway through and the replacement didn’t quite match the vision. Way harsh? Whatever.
It opens with ‘Perfect’, a fabulous belter of a song, where we see Cher (Emma Flynn) wake up in her incredible boudoir and transform into her signature yellow outfit. This number sets the scene for an incredible show… but then Act I immediately dips in energy, musical prowess and aesthetic.
There isn’t a weak performer in the cast, but there is a lack of true character understanding with many of them.
Flynn is a great performer, but at times it feels like she’s channelling Elle Woods a bit too much. Even her wig is more Legally Blonde than Clueless, which is a shame. The banter between her and stepbrother Josh (Keelan McAuley) is cute, but there isn’t enough chemistry. Cher’s friends Tai (Romona Lewis-Malley) and Dionne (Chyna-Rose Frederick) happily get plenty of stage time and do a pretty good job of embodying their characters.
Some of the film’s original storylines (like the teacher romance) are played down, which is a shame, but overall the show does maintain the humour and fun of the film, with most of its memorable moments present. Songs (by KT Tunstall and Glenn Slater) are hit and miss, with very few standout tunes, and simplistic lyrics that lack depth; perhaps they’re supposed to reflect the minds of high school students, but if so they fall flat.
Happily, Act II picks up the pace and is a lot stronger, with an exceptional swing number ‘I’m Keeping an Eye on You’, which is beautifully choreographed (by Lizzy Gee) and performed. It’s a bit random for a 90s show, but a joy to watch so like whatever. We also get to meet Christian (Isaac J Lewis) who captures the essence of the original character and his duet with Cher is excellent, well choreographed and funny.
The song ‘Reasonable Doubts’ also feels a bit out of place, but plays to Josh’s love of ‘alternative’ music, and the lyrics for this are much sharper to reflect his intellect. I personally hated ‘She’s All That’ and ‘A Bag of Chips’ but it’s a good ensemble number that gives Lewis-Malley another chance to shine and probably the one you’ll get stuck in your head. Eww.
But for real guys, the costumes are like so hot! Every outfit we know and love from the film is here and Paloma Young and team have absolutely nailed them - honestly I wanted every single one. Mikiko Susuki’s set design is outstanding, especially the Horowitz house and the really innovative cars. A few scenes have bizarre, amateur looking painted scenery but I put this down as a nod to Cher’s Monet analogy; if so it’s clever, but may be missed by many.
That said, despite its flaws, Clueless somehow manages to be a pretty good show - although perhaps not one people will rush to see a second time. Sadly, the lack of consistency and memorable songs means it can’t rise above ‘good’, and without the vibrancy of the costumes and audience nostalgia, it wouldn’t even be that. I’m outie.
At Trafalgar Theatre until 27 September 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
