Heathers the Musical comes to York, so we donned our red scrunchies and enrolled at Westerberg High. The show started off in Los Angeles in 2014, had a West End run in 2018 and is winner of Best New Musical. But is it Big Fun? Find out below…
To be honest, the original 1988 film somehow passed me by so I was going into Heathers with no idea of what to expect. It’s now on my to-watch list!
Straight off the bat I was reminded of films like Mean Girls and The Breakfast Club. A high school story, full of teenage angst and students vying for the top social spot. Mrs Hatter had seen the film though, and said she thinks I might be surprised. True enough, without spoiling anything there are unexpected twists and turns if you don’t know the story.
With adult themes, strong language, violence and other mature content, the age guidance is 14 plus. High School Musical this ain’t!
Lucky Heathers
The Heathers are a clique of girls that rule the High School halls. Verity Thompson’s Heather Chandler is the badass bitch of the bunch and relishes every moment of sass and swagger.
Veronica Sawyer (Jenna Innes) as the Heathers geek-to-chic new recruit gets the most stage-time and has powerhouse vocals and a strong performance. Her chemistry with bad-influence love interest Jason Dean is as believable as it is bittersweet. Jacob Fowler plays the unhinged JD with a deliciously dark edge. And boy can he sing!
Special mention must go to Kingsley Morton’s Martha Dumptruck, and her genuinely moving ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’ solo. Incredible vocals and a poignant performance.
Alex Woodward and Morgan Jackson add some extra comic relief as High School jocks Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney, and spend most of the show in their pants. That’s commitment to their art!
Truly an ensemble affair, the whole cast work tirelessly to pull off a high-energy show with all the hallmarks of a West End production.
I Want Candy
The show is a visual treat too, and as colourful as a Candy Store. Each of the Heathers are distinctly red, yellow and green (and, later, Veronica in blue) often with lighting to match.
The stage seamlessly transforms from Westerberg High to a 7-11 gas station, croquet garden, JD’s bedroom graveyard, church, bridge and more.
The Heathers band never miss a beat, led by Musical Director Will Joy. The band helps get the audience toe-tapping along or hanging on every note. Musically, highlights for me include Seventeen, Dead Girl Walking and Shine a Light.
How Very
So how to sum up Heathers the Musical? How very slick, how very polished, how very well choreographed. We’ve seen many other former-West End shows at The Grand Opera House – including We Will Rock You and The Rocky Horror Picture Show – but I’ve never seen an audience quite so enthusiastic and appreciative as last night.
This Tuesday night crowd lapped up every minute, culminating in a standing ovation. How very…fitting!
MAGIC RATING
VALUE FOR MONEY
OVERALL
With such a big following and rave reviews, expect to pay a premium for the best seats – up to £65. Tickets are available for as little as £29.50 though.
Book at https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/heathers-the-musical/grand-opera-house-york/
Disclaimer: Tickets were kindly provided for this performance, however all opinions are honest and are our own.
Photo credits Pamela Raith
Review Wizard 