I’ve been looking back over our previous reviews of HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, which opened last night and runs at the Wales Millennium Centre till Saturday. In fact, it’s pretty much a year to the day since the show took to the Donald Gordon stage. Prior to that it was two years ago, so it’s fair to say that Heathers is a frequent visitor to the capital.
I will say there will be elements of those reviews here, which is unavoidable.
If you’re asking yourself why is it here so often, you just have to look at the booking site and see those words ‘limited availability‘ to see why. This show has a following like no other. The Heathers fans, of which there are many, are truly addicted to this show.
If you’ve seen the original movie, which starred a young Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, then you pretty much know what’s coming. The story centres around three young women (all called Heather) who are queen bees at school. Mean, nasty and down right unpleasant to all the other students, until they are met by our hero of the story.
The musical doesn’t shy away from its dark subject matters. Bullying, suicide, sexual assault and homophobia are all wrapped up around a show filled with catchy tunes and great dancing, but be in no doubt, the underlying theme is somewhat twisted.
Heathers has been a sell-out smash since it opened in the West End, and always brings along a very dedicated and enthusiastic audience of ‘Corn Nuts‘ – the moniker given to Heather fans, by the fans themselves back in 2017. Here’s what some of last nights ‘nuts’ thought of the show, along with three stars of this production, JENNA INNES and KEELAN MCAULEY and LUCY SINCLAIR.
If you go into HEATHERS THE MUSICAL with the idea it’s going to be another high school romp with lots of sing-a-long happy tunes, then think again. Don’t get me wrong, the songs really are fantastic, and you’ll happily join in with them, but many come with a darker side.
The set is Westerberg High School where it seems all rules are off, especially if you’re a Heather. Until we meet geeky Veronica Sawyer played by JENNA INNES. Jenna, who was here in last years production, dominates the stage for much of the show and takes us on the complicated journey of Veronica with skill and ease. Her voice is superb and across the board was praised by last nights audience. Her best friend is Martha Dunstock (AMY MILES) and the pair are an easy target for the school beefcake, Kurt and Ram, played brilliantly by IVÁN FERNÁNDEZ GONZÁLEZ and JASON BATTERSBY.
I don’t want to give anything away at this point, especially if you are new to Heathers, but one of the comedy stand-out moments is at a funeral (told you it was dark), with a song called ‘My Dead Gay Son’. It’s kind of weirdly, hilariously, wrong – but so right.
Before that we have Veronica realising that to get through school she needs to fit in and become one of the popular girls. So it’s adios to Martha and hola to the Heathers – Heather Duke, played by SEDONA SKY. Heather Chandler is definitely the meanest of the girls. ESME BOWDLER is a mean girl but gives and even meaner performance, with her incredible voice, although to be fair, the entire company are fantastic. Then there’s Heather McNamara played by DAISY TWELLS.
Being a Heather is much more than just the name, they are wealthy, wicked and rule Westerberg High school. The school motto is the Home of the Rottweiler and with the Heathers that’s exactly what they have.
It doesn’t take long for Veronica to realise that life as a Heather really isn’t for her, especially once she meets up with J.D. (KEELAN MCAULEY). He’s everything you’d want in this character, he’s cool, free and very much not one of the crowd. Veronica fancies him, and J.D. fancies sorting out the school problem, with murderous consequences. Keelan puts in a great performance with a superb voice too.
He may be the charming kid that Veronica falls for, but he also happens to be a bit of a psychopath. Heaven help it if you’re a Heather, or get in the way of his homemade bomb.
The onstage relationship between J.D. and Veronica is electric and when they perform.
I think what keeps Heathers so relevant, something like 35 years after the movie was released, is that it didn’t then, and certainly doesn’t now, shy away from some of the most controversial topics. In fact, I’d even say the story is more current than ever before.
With a stress filled, highly pressurised world our teenagers live in, and us as parents, you feel for these on-stage characters, who in some way (not all), reflect the real lives of our kids. The show is really entertaining, and incredible fun, but occasionally a difficult watch, especially as a Dad.
Thanks to a brilliantly orchestrated social media campaign, and a soundtrack which is on repeat right across the world, the show has an army of fans eager to see this production in Cardiff.
Those fans are there to cheer and sing through every moment of this show. The opening routine is an example of this, it’s a high-energy, full on introduction to all that is Heathers, and lasts around 10 minutes. We’ve got to say it is really impressive and is an effective way to ‘meet the characters’. The cast shine brilliantly, as do the band, who carry the show along from start to finish.
There is one reference made to a member of the audience (Steve), when you see the show all will become clear. There’s a really funny interactive, audience participation section in the second half, which is perfectly played out by teacher Ms Fleming (LUCY SINCLAIR).
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL really is an all singing and dancing affair. Gary Lloyd’s choreography (he also worked on Thriller) is smooth and edgy and takes one very special company to keep up the pace, and never miss a single beat throughout the show.
The script is funny and sharp and you need to keep your wits about you to catch it all. Thanks to direction from Andy Fickman he seamlessly keeps the action and dialogue in perfect harmony.
We could go on about the lighting, which is impressive, as is the simple, but effective set. By now however, you’ve probably realised that Heathers is a real team effort, both on and off stage.
There is crudeness, and it’s a little bit sweary in parts, add to that the dark themes we’ve mentioned and you can understand why it comes with a 14+ warning. Although the show is funny, and they deal with the darkness in a light manner, it is still worth checking the guidance first.
Heathers comes with a ready made fan base, and each time I see the show (and that’s a lot) I realise that I proudly have my name added to that list. As J.D. sings to Veronica ‘Our Love is God‘, all I can say is thank heaven Heathers is back, it’s naughty and nice, deep, dark and incredibly good fun. And like the most delicious slurpee it’ll send shivers down your spine.
HEATHERS THE MUSICAL is at the Wales Millennium Centre through to Saturday 17th August. Performances are at 7:30pm with 2:30pm matinees on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Tickets start at £17:00 but we’d get in quick to make sure you get good seats, you’ll want to be on your feet at the end for a little sing and dance with the cast. You can get yours – HERE.
