Heathers The Musical
Heathers The Musical
Theatre Royal Haymarket
24/11/18
Heathers tells the story of Veronica Sawyer: once-bullied, now-popular after she is taken under the wing of the schools most prestigious clic, three girls called Heather. With her new-found friends, Veronica drinks, dances, parties, and everything else in between after she meets JD, the mysterious-but -kinda-hot new kid at school.
Together, JD and Veronica become the school’s murderous power couple as they knock off teenagers getting too confident, starting with Heather Chandler, and disguising it as suicide. As JD becomes blood-thirsty, Veronica sees the light and decides she’d rather not be with a psychotic, manipulative killer like him...
Based on the ‘80s Winona Ryder film, this musical offering has earned a cult following over the years on the back of its humour and infectious soundtrack, and it now lands in the West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket after its sell-out run at The Other Palace.
As Veronica, Carrie Hope Fletcher demonstrates her outstanding vocal ability, no stranger to the West End she looks right at home on this stage. She is perfectly cast as the main protagonist, leading us through the production as very likeable, ensuring the audience connects with her; we’re all seventeen at some point. A stand out moment in the show for me was Fletcher's 'I Say No' which was added to the show towards the end of its run at The Other Place in summer. This song allows Veronica to fight back once she realises what JD is really like, once again demonstrating Fletcher's remarkable vocal skills.
Jamie Muscato excels in the role of JD demonstrating his incredible acting ability. He succeeds in giving the impression of a very charming seventeen year old who upon confronting his soon to be girlfriend, Veronica Sawyer, leaves us instantly in love with him and his flirtatious and cheeky replies. As the show progresses, we realise that JD isn’t all that of a caring guy at all, and surprisingly turns to be someone who we in todays society, stereotypically class as a ‘psychopath’ from the use of guns and the threat of bombing a school.
The Heathers themselves are a delight to watch, Jodie Steele’s Heather Chandler embodies the mean girl spirit while still allowing us to see a deeper character, inspiring both contempt and hilarity from the audience in equal measure. T’Shan Williams as Heather Duke, and Sophie Issacs as Heather McNamara, both grasp the opportunity to establish their character’s worth in their respective solos; ‘Never Shut Up Again’ and ‘Lifeboat’. The three also have a very strong vocal ability, sounding almost as one when during their trio song “Candy Store”.
Dominic Anderson and Christopher Chung are the perfect pairing as the high school jocks Ram Sweeney and Kurt Kelly, their friendship feels genuine and touching, whilst also providing us with comedy in songs like 'You're Welcome'.
Jenny O’Leary’s Martha Dunnstock, ostensibly a comedy character, given heart and soul by O’Leary’s captivating performance, particularly during her very poignant rendition of ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’.
Rebecca Lock is spot on with her comedy skills as Ms Fleming and Veronica's mum who proved why she is a West End legend. She truly had the vast audience in the palm of her hand during 'Shine A Light'.
This production however would not be the same without the incredible ensemble demonstrating outstanding vocal and dance ability.
Heathers has soon become one of my all time favourite musicals which has been a huge hit with UK audiences and I can definitely see it becoming even bigger in the future.
