The Winter Gardens Blackpool – until 22 August 2026
Reviewed by Debra Skelton
5*****
‘Visually stunning and expertly crafted, Mean Girls impresses throughout’
Following a highly successful run in London’s West End, Mean Girls: The Musical, inspired by the hit 2004 film starring Lindsay Lohan, has embarked on a major tour across the UK and Ireland for 2026 and this week, the production arrives in Blackpool. Written by acclaimed actress, comedian and screenwriter Tina Fey, who also penned the original movie, the musical brings plenty of sharp humour and wit to the stage.
The story closely follows the plot of the beloved film. Cady Heron (Emily Lane) arrives at North Shore High School as a newcomer after spending her childhood being home-schooled in Africa. Suddenly immersed in the complex social world of high school, she encounters a range of student groups, from ambitious Mathletes and studious academics to popular athletes and the feared Plastics. As Cady quickly learns, navigating teenage social hierarchies can be both exciting and perilous.
Along the way, she forms a friendship with outsiders Damian (Michael Dean-Wilson) and Janis (Georgie Buckland), who introduce her to the unwritten rules of school life and fill her in on the personalities who dominate the social scene. In particular, they caution her about Regina George (Vivian Panka), the powerful and ruthless leader of the Plastics. However, when Regina unexpectedly welcomes Cady into her inner circle, Janis sees an opportunity and devises a scheme aimed at dismantling the school’s most notorious clique.
Mean Girls is an entertaining and energetic production packed with humour and memorable moments. Tina Fey’s writing sparkles with sharp one-liners, clever observations and biting social commentary, creating a cast of characters that are both distinctive and instantly recognisable.
Much of the show’s appeal comes from its outstanding supporting cast. Regina George’s fellow Plastics, the sweet but dim-witted Karen and the anxious, approval-seeking Gretchen Wieners, are brought vividly to life by Sophie Pourret and Kiara Dario. Both performers deliver strong comic performances that capture the essence of their characters while making them feel fresh and engaging. Equally impressive is Karim Zeroual, whose portrayal of science enthusiast Kevin Ganatra is full of enthusiasm, charm and comic timing.
Faye Tozer, best known as a member of pop group Steps, demonstrates remarkable versatility by taking on three adult roles: Cady’s mother, Mrs Heron; teacher Ms Norbury; and the flamboyant and over-the-top Mrs George. Despite the challenge of multiple rapid costume and character changes, Tozer delivers each performance with confidence, energy and plenty of personality.
Mean Girls boasts a strong collection of musical numbers, from the energetic “Revenge Party” to Karen’s amusing Halloween-themed song “Sexy” and Regina George’s fiery villain anthem “World Burn”. The standout performance, however, comes from Georgie Buckland, whose powerful rendition of “I’d Rather Be Me” delivers an uplifting message of self-confidence and individuality, earning some of the loudest applause of the night.
Beyond the performances, the production excels in every technical department. The slick choreography (Casey Nicholaw) keeps the energy high throughout, while the lighting (Kenneth Posner), sound (Brian Ronan) and inventive set design (Scott Pask) ensure the show remains visually engaging from start to finish.
Whether you’re a fan of the film or completely new to the story, Mean Girls delivers an evening of pure entertainment.