Theatre Review: Heathers, MK Theatres
Summary:
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 10th September - Saturday 14th September 2024
Where to see it: MK Theatres
Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes (including interval)
Trigger Warning - this review will reference suicide, bullying and sexual assault.
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
Review
It’s the story of a girl, Veronica who wants to fit in with ‘the cool kids’, a typical high school drama story with gossip, the hierarchy, dark secrets, and witty humour.
This show reminded us of films like Mean Girls, Clueless and High School Musical - if you’re a fan, this musical is for you.
To go into the storyline of Heathers in a little bit more detail, it was very fitting for it to fall on Suicide Prevention Day. This production is actually based on the 1988 film, Heathers, with the musical written by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy. It’s the story of a girl, Veronica who wants to fit in with ‘the cool kids’, a typical High School drama story with gossip, the hierarchy, dark secrets, and witty humour.
The important highlight in this production is prodominently, it’s worse subject matter that still happens in today’s world; bullying, teen suicide, sexual assault, and school violence. Jenna Innes (Veronica Sawyer) was a stand out actor for us with her outstanding vocals and how she portrays the girl who just wants to ‘fit in’. The three Heathers who owned the stage with their powerful influence were played by Esme Bowdler (ITV’s Mamma Mia I have a dream!), Sedona Sky and Daisy Twells.
Photo Credit: Pamela Raith
This is definitely a performance to go watch with the girls or take teens who may actually be coming across this side of life now. Heather’s production provides a sometimes silly yet classically funny and sometimes uncomfortable performance. The clothing, the music, the lighting really created each scene to be unforgettable. One highlight of the evening which I don’t think I'll forget for a long time was the dramatic lighting at the end of Act 1 when Veronica and JD were together. It was so intense with the end of their song the lighting gave it a dramatic exit that automatically made me want to stand and clap.
Overall, a superb cast that provided an entertaining and realistic showcase of high school life - you’ll be leaving feel very grateful for life.
Standout Quote or Moment: The end of Act 1 will be remembered for it’s dramatic yet realistic performance between both JD and Veronica
See If: You love films/theatre productions which although has a dark subject matter, keeps it realistic and highlights why you should be self empowered
Similar Plays: Grease, Mean Girls
Last Impression: A performance to remember, the production was superbly witty considering the dark subject of suicide it was based around.
To get tickets for the show click here
We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.
Written by Alicia Bolt