Heathers The Musical - Review

Following two smash hit West End seasons, a record-breaking run at The Other Palace and winning the WhatsOnStage award for BEST NEW MUSICAL, Heathers the Musical, the black comedy rock musical based on the eponymous 1989 film embarks on a new national tour. It has arrived at The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham ready to cause some drama.

Welcome to Westerberg High, a place where popularity is a matter of life and death. Veronica Sawyer is just another nobody, one of the lowest of the low dreaming of a better day. But when she is unexpectedly taken under the wings of the three beautiful and impossibly cruel Heathers, her dreams of popularity finally start to come true. Until Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean turns up, the mysterious teen rebel who teaches her that it might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder being a somebody.

The entire cast was brilliant in delivering this peppy but poignant show. At this evening's performance, the role of Heather Duke was played by Summer Priest, and the role of Heather McNamara was played by Eliza Bowden. Alex Woodward and Morgan Jackson who played Kurt and Ram respectively were brilliant. They had undeniable chemistry, and their comedic timing was second to none leaving the audience in fits of laughter. Jenna Innes as Veronica Sawyer and Jacob Fowler and Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean both portrayed their dark characters with a chilling charm. The actions of their characters were incomprehensible however they managed to portray to the audience a sense of struggle and inner turmoil.

The rendition of “My Dead Gay Son” was entertaining with Conor McFarlane as Ram’s dad and Jay Bryce as Kurt’s dad. This song managed to deliver an important message about inclusivity and acceptance in a comedic way. The audience cheered and laughed in abundance.

At its core, this is a pop-rock musical about teen suicide and self-expression. Heathers manages to tread a fine line between black comedy, exuberance, and genuine pathos. The show touches on themes of conformity, sexuality and the glamourisation of trauma with honesty and humour. High school is a funny but dangerous minefield, says the show, making it easy to see why so many teenagers have been attracted to it.

There's no doubt that Heathers the Musical is in excellent shape, delivering many unexpected narrative twists, great music, and dedicated performances. Those expecting a typical teen musical with light-hearted fare will be in for a shock. But having a disruptor like this as part of our theatrical repertoire is a welcome addition as it highlights many serious issues, leaving its audiences with food for thought.

Heathers continues at The Alexandra Theatre Birmingham until Saturday 20th May 2023. Tickets are available at the following link https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/heathers-the-musical/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham/

Please note that this production contains strong language and mature themes including: references to suicide and eating disorders; moments of violence; murder; sexual content; sexual violence; gunshots and flashing lights.