Fetch has officially happened in Cardiff.
As soon as we arrived at the Wales Millennium Centre, it was obvious something special was about to unfold for the opening night of MEAN GIRLS. The buzz in the foyer was unmistakable. Fans had turned out in force, many dressed as the Plastics in pink skirts, cardigans and heels. Some had gone all in with full Regina George energy, while others proudly wore their “On Wednesdays we wear pink” looks. It felt less like a typical theatre crowd and more like a celebration.
You could sense the anticipation building minute by minute. Groups were quoting favourite lines from the film, comparing outfits and humming the songs. The atmosphere had the feel of a pop concert about to start. When the lights finally dimmed, the reaction from the audience said everything. Cheers erupted before a single line had been spoken.
From the opening moments it was clear the audience would not be disappointed.
Based on the hugely popular film written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls The Musical brings the story of Cady Heron (EMILY LANE) and the ruthless social hierarchy of high school to the stage with energy and a lot of attitude. The touring production currently visiting Cardiff captures the humour and heart that fans love while delivering a lively night of theatre.
The audience response was remarkable. Many clearly knew the show inside out. They laughed in the right places, shouted approval when iconic lines appeared and sang along quietly to songs from the superb soundtrack by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin. Every big number landed with a roar of approval.
At the centre of it all is a cast that clearly understands both the comedy and the pace the show needs. The ensemble rarely stands still and the production moves quickly between scenes, helped by slick staging and clever visuals that keep the action moving through classrooms, shopping malls and high school corridors.
One of the names many people were eager to see was FAY TOZER. Best known as a member of STEPS, she plays the wonderfully over the top Ms Norbury and also pops up as the hilariously enthusiastic Mrs Heron. Fay brings plenty of personality to both roles. She clearly enjoys the comedy and the audience enjoys her right back. Her scenes often spark some of the biggest laughs of the night.
A particularly warm reception on opening night was reserved for BEN OATLEY, who plays Aaron Samuels. For South Wales audiences this is a special moment. Ben is from Carmarthenshire and you can feel the pride in the theatre knowing he is performing on such a major stage back home.
His Aaron Samuels is charming, slightly awkward and very believable as the boy caught in the middle of the Plastics’ drama. Ben brings an easy warmth to the role and handles the musical numbers with confidence. The applause that greets him throughout the show suggests the local support is strong and well deserved.
Watch our interview with Ben HERE.
The actors playing the Plastics are another highlight. Regina (VIVIAN PANKA), Gretchen (KIARA DARIO) and Karen (SOPHIE POURRET) arrive with exactly the right mix of confidence and comic timing. Their scenes together crackle with energy and the audience clearly relishes every cutting remark and dramatic entrance.
The show’s choreography keeps things moving throughout the evening. Big ensemble numbers fill the stage with colour and movement, while the music gives the production a contemporary feel that works well with the story. Even those unfamiliar with the musical quickly find themselves caught up in the rhythm of it all.
What stands out most about this production is how much fun everyone is clearly having. The cast lean into the comedy and the audience responds instantly. Laughter rolls through the theatre and there are moments when applause interrupts scenes simply because fans are so delighted to hear a favourite line.
That connection between stage and audience is what makes this stop in Cardiff feel particularly memorable. The crowd arrived ready to enjoy every moment and the cast delivered exactly the show they hoped for.
By the time the curtain call arrived, the reaction felt closer to the end of a concert than a typical theatre performance. People were on their feet, cheering and grinning as the cast took their bows.
MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL is at Wales Millennium Centre from through to Saturday 14th March. Performances are at 7:30pm each evening with a 2:30pm matinee on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available but we should warn you that some performances are showing limited availability. More details HERE.
You can read our original feature HERE.
And yes, in case anyone was wondering.
Fetch has absolutely happened.
