Mean Girls The Musical, UK Tour Review (2026)
Written by Emmie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Following its hit West End debut at the Savoy Theatre, Mean Girls The Musical is now bringing the beloved teen comedy to audiences across the UK and Ireland on its first major tour. With two pink shows embarking on tours this year (hi Legally Blonde!), is this production as fetch as we’d hoped it would be, or should some things have stayed in the Burn Book?
The musical, which features music by Jeff Richmond and lyrics by Nell Benjamin, has every opportunity to make this show work. The storyline remains the same. We follow Cady Heron as she navigates the pecking order inside an American high school after being brought up in Kenya and being homeschooled. In an attempt to make friends, her naivety pulls her towards ‘The Plastics’, a merciless clique who see public humiliation as a form of entertainment.
There’s a lot to enjoy in what this adaptation has to offer. Tina Fey’s book (who also wrote and starred in the original movie) remains largely faithful to the original film, with iconic lines such as “She doesn’t even go here” landing superbly with longtime fans. While this nostalgia works well overall, there are moments where the references feel slightly shoehorned in rather than naturally woven into the story.
The score is another major strength of this show, offering plenty of opportunities for individual characters to shine. Songs including “I'd Rather Be Me”, “It Roars” and “Apex Predator” are particular highlights, balancing sharp humour with genuine emotional weight and plenty of energy. However, if I’m honest its actually Casey Nicholaw’s choreography which makes this show hit all the right notes. It’s one of the few recent touring productions to make full use of its larger ensemble, creating numbers that feel constantly alive and bursting with energy. The ensemble dances for their lives throughout, with so many fine details woven into the movement that every scene feels dynamic, polished and packed with personality.
The UK and Ireland tour of Mean Girls the Musical also comes armed with some fierce performers. Janis and Damian, played by Georgie Buckland and Max Gill, are instant favourites. They act as “narrators” to the show, and their natural chemistry with one another makes their performance effortless. Their comedy landed well with this audience, and it’s definitely Buckland’s rendition of “I’d Rather Be Me”, which struck an obvious chord with the crowd.
Emily Lane is a beautifully crafted Cady, with ounces of care and clarity built into her take of this character. Regina George, played by Vivian Panka, is portrayed with a lot of awareness and understanding. Kiara Dario and Sophie Pourret play two of the most recognisable characters in Mean Girls, but manage to make them their own and feel entirely fresh, which is a difficult task.
Overall, Mean Girls the Musical is a vibrant and polished production that has enough in it for audiences to enjoy. It leans heavily on nostalgia in all the right ways. Make sure you don’t miss it!
Mean Girls the Musical is performing on a UK and Ireland tour until January 2027.
★ ★ ★ ★
