Calling all StageSider’s, welcome back to a VERY… overdue review. The last time I went to the theatre was the night before the first national lockdown to see Beautiful the Musical. I remember the show ending and seeing that I had to return home and stay there for an unknown amount of time. A year and a half later im back. Marking my return to the theatre in 2021, I saw Heathers the Musical last night (10th September 2021) at Newcastle Theatre Royal.
Warning!
I just want to give a few warnings. This review will be VERY extra, as this is one of my favourite shows. This review may contain mentions of emotionally triggering events such as mental health, eating, psychological and physical disorders and death so please do not continue reading if these will upset you. The review may also mention plot points and so if you are yet to see Heathers (Girl the film came out in 1988) then come back to this when you have, or continue knowing that there may be spoilers.
Dear Diary!
Hearing the ever famous “September 1st, 1989… Dear Diary” line echoing through a packed theatre was just incredible. Rebecca Wickes, playing Veronica Sawyer, a highschool outcast turned mean girl, portrayed the quirky Veronica in such a believable yet distant way. Their ability to create such powerful moments whilst still showing their own acting technique and style was done so beautifully. Belting I Say No, Wickes had me ready to give JD a slap. The mic mixing for Veronica was a bit iffy sometimes but this is just a detail.
Brain freeze and mind blown 🧨litterally !
Simon Gordon, playing Jason Dean, a damaged boy with a love for slushies and making things go boom, belted Freeze Your Brain with ease and passion without screaming or shouting the song. His vocals were so smooth and so impressive! Giving a frighteningly simple portrayal of a damaged soul set on self, and global destruction, … had me sat deep into my seat and also on the edge of it throughout the whole evening. During Seventeen, Wickes and Gordon’s harmony gave me goosebumps. I need an album from Gordon with him singing some show tune favourites. And I will be waiting… Patiently.
Mobility Scooter spotted near the Old Mill Bridge
And “my best friend since, diapers” Martha Dunstock, played by Mhairi Angus, was both convincing and beautifully portrayed. I always worry that roles having to deal with suicide or mental health will be portrayed in a damaging way. I am glad that this production didn’t play up on the mental health issues and were able to portray the scene with tact. Angus did an excellent job in portraying the needy and broken down character without making her seem manic and off the walls. Her heartwarming nature and ability to make the most tense situations become fluffy really draws me in and makes me love this character. Kindergarten Boyfriend had me on the edge of tears and her rather comical return had the whole audience laughing and cheering for quite some time.
Heather!
Heather!
and Heather!
Heather Duke, with her lack of personality and played by Meryll Ansah, added just the right amount of comedy, again running alongside moments of vulnerability and tact. Their portrayal of eating disorders in conjunction with her whitty input are done so in a way to provide a depth to the character without relying on the troubling effects of eating disorders and social pressures to “lose a few pounds”. The costume change in Never Shut Up Again still blows me away. The shift from submissive to the queen of Westerberg is so sudden and yet so seamless.
Heather McNamara, making regular withdrawals from the royal bank of father McNamara, provides plenty of flair and awkward staring while still portraying her head cheerleader persona. The energy from Lizzy Parker is amazing. From off the walls hyper to the depth of despair, Parker is able to portray it all and change with the drop of a hat. Her acting in Lifeboat and Shine a Light reprise is just incredible and so moving, yet funny at the same time.
And Heather Chandler, Maddison Firth, “She is a Mythic Bitch”. Their solid portrayal of the character, they truly looked like they had never been “bothered, never harassed… and I would give anything to be like that”. Firth truly commanded the attention of the audience but was not arrogant or obstructive. Heather Chandler is a star, a dead one but still a star, and Firth added some extra layers to this stardom.
She really did fake it… Every single time!
Georgina Hagen was a wonderful Ms. Fleming. With great audience interaction and improvised moments. Their portrayal of a fame hungry teacher and a caring mother was smooth and appeared effortless. With a great energy as Ms Fleming and a warm nature as Veronica’s Mom, Hagen really delivered in both roles.
Fencing partners, hiding their gay forbidden love.
Liam Doyle and Rory Phelan, Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney respectively, were completely off the walls. Perhaps they had a sugar rush before the show, but it paid off. Their energy filled the auditorium and their emotional range delivered in all the right places.
We’re all in this together.
Choral harmonies gave me chills, from start to finish, with some key moments being during Beautiful and Seventeen reprise. Each voice was just perfect for the choral moments and I was honestly ridiculously impressed by the musicality of it all. The ensemble really did bring a whole load of energy to the piece with tonnes of comedy thrown in for good measure!
Design stand outs.
David Shields, the designer for the show, should be proud of their creations. Visually the piece is stunning. The costumes, reveals and interactions with the lighting design are so well done they really round off the performance and take it to a whole new level. Sometimes a simple design is what is needed to elevate the performance, and Shields really did take us to a new level.
Ben Cracknell, the Lighting Designer for Heathers, clearly worked well with Shields. The integration of lighting with the costumes and set is amazing and everything worked. The interactive lighting rig, blending the stage with the audience, really assisted in bringing the show out into real life. So well done.
Show summary.
From start to finish I had such a good night. Having seen Heathers on opening night in the Other Palace, I feel like this touring version was just as good if not a bit better. The energy was right, the cast was right, the atmosphere in the auditorium was right and the experience was Very…
Now, I will be honest, this musical wasn’t home to the most amazing choreography or the most amazing technical elements but… it was a good night out and provided entertainment. Discussions with people after the show shone a light on how this show has a really strong following. The show really doesn’t need to be overly complex or intense as people go and give a standing ovation for the fact the Heathers are there. Does this take away from the night? Not at all. Would it be good to see some more complex or detailed choreography? Sure, but I can’t be too mad at what we were given.
I am also still sad that Blue was removed from the West End and UK touring version as well as some of the more… edgy lines.
My rating!
I would give the touring version of Heathers the Musical four out of five stars. This show is entertaining, fun and a great night out. Perhaps the magnetised following filled the room with contagious energy, but the evening seemed to fly by. And you know what they say, time flies, when you’re having fun and last night was a barrel of fun. I just don’t know whether the show was as well rounded, deep and provoking enough to have me shouting about it from the rooftops. I like the show and I am a fan of the film / production, but I feel like the fan base are addicted to the characters and not the details of the show.
Have your say!
So StageSider’s, what do you think of Heathers the Musical? Did this show have you screaming for more Cornnuts or were you trying to hop the fence to find the nearest keg? Let me know in the comments section below.
As usual, please be kind to each other and the performers in the show. We all have different opinions and are all people with feelings. I have slush cups full of respect for all involved in the creation of Heathers the Musical, including the performers on stage and in the pit.
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Heathers the musical is playing at Newcastle Theatre Royal until the 12th of September and opening at the Lyceum in Sheffield on the 14th of September. The tour continues until December 2021 so be sure to motor on over to your nearest participating theatre to catch Heathers the Musical.
The featured image belongs to Pamela Raith Photography.