Newcastle Theatre Royal, 07/09/2021
HOW VERY! After what feels like forever, Heathers The Musical is finally kicking off its pandemic postponed UK tour. The beginning of the tour is running simultaneously with the West End show, but now that is in its final week in London, we caught Heathers The Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal!
Based on the 80’s cult classic film ‘Heathers’, the musical tells the story of Veronica Sawyer’s rise to high school popularity by making friends with the baddest bunch, the Heathers. New guy in town, JD sweeps Veronica off her feet, taking her whole world as she knows it from beneath her too. As things go from bad to worse it’s left to Veronica to try and put things right.
This was our first experience of the musical which made for an exciting night! We definitely came away honorary Corn Nuts. Read on to see our 5 reasons to see Heathers The Musical UK Tour!
1. It is really funny!
For a musical based on a film that is filled with murder, suicide and other adult themes, you might not expect a ‘laugh-a-minute’ show… well prepare to be proven wrong. Heathers The Musical is hilarious, from the book to the songs, to every character on stage, it is packed with gags. It was great to experience the comedy coming from almost every character on stage and still making sure that it didn’t become overstated, allowing the story and the drama to still hold their own.
2. The talent and energy of the entire cast
Of course every show has its main characters and its ensemble which Heathers The Musical is no different. What really stands out here is how much the entire cast have to do as so many members pick up multiple minor roles it feels like each cast member has hardly been off stage all night. The tireless energy the cast give in every scene and across numerous vigorously choreographed numbers is fantastic. This cast are working incredibly hard and it really pays off here.
The main characters of Veronica Sawyer (Rebecca Wickes), Heather Chandler (Maddison Firth), Heather Duke (Merryl Ansah), Heather Mac (Lizzy Parker) and JD (Simon Gordon) are all cast perfectly. The talent of these actors is amazing, each with their own characterisations and quips bringing the show to life. Another shoutout to our two loveable jocks Ram Sweeney (Rory Phelan) and Kurt Kelly (Liam Doyle) who are absolutely hilarious every moment they are on stage. We loved how even after their characters should traditionally not be on stage any longer after a story arc, their presence remains and is highly welcomed.
3. The songs are bop after bop!
It’s no wonder Heathers The Musical has such a large young fan base with the amount of excellent musical numbers it holds. Opening with ‘Beautiful’ sets the scene perfectly and showcases the talent of everyone on the stage. We are treated to ballads like ‘Seventeen’ and ‘I Say No’ later in the show that are met with raucous applause, which is seen again after act 2 opener ‘My Dead Gay Son’ blows the roof off the place! Every number felt like it owned its place in the show and felt different from the rest, keeping the entire musical flowing so well.
4. It’s so slick!
The way that the songs all fit so seamlessly into the show and tie in so well with the book and the pace really shines in Heathers The Musical. The energetic performances and not a single moment of pause really keeps the momentum up of the show and the evening is over in an instant. The audiences attention is held throughout both acts as drama and comedy build to the finale getting everyone on their feet. The use of the entire stage and sometimes breaking the fourth wall all adds to the engaging atmosphere of the performance, keeping the audience in the palms of the performer’s hands.
5. Rebecca Wickes as Veronica Sawyer
As our leading lady, Rebecca Wickes gives an outstanding performance as Veronica Sawyer. Her vulnerability and empathy at the beginning sheds away perfectly as her character is caught up in the whirlwind of events that engulf her personality, showcasing some great character development. Her voice is absolutely outstanding as she tackles the hardest notes in the show with ease. Comedic timing and nuances really add to Wickes’ performance too as she has the audience in stitches between their adoring applause. Wickes really is a star.
Heathers The Musical is a fantastic, fun show that doesn’t take itself too seriously but is executed so professionally, you’d struggle to not leave the theatre with a smile on your face searching for the cast recording to listen to on the way home. Don’t miss out on this wonderful show, tickets and remaining dates are available by clicking here!
The Stagey Couple 