Theatre Royal, Haymarket – until 24 November 2018
Reviewed by Jess Brady
5*****
Following a sell out run at The Other Palace, Heathers has hit the West End with a BANG! Carrie Hope Fletcher takes the lead as Veronica with Jamie Muscato as J.D.
The story is based on the 1988 cult classic ‘Heathers’ starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater which takes teen stereotypes and adds a dose of murder and explosives that set it apart from your usual teen movie. The musical is no exception and stays true to its inspiration hitting you hard with its cutting lyrics and book that include many iconic lines from the movie.
Set in 1989 Westerburg High School where social hierarchy is law and can determine your survival in what is already a hormone fuelled, teen angst world, the three ‘Heathers’ are the top of the food chain [played by Jodie Steel, T’Shan Williams and Sophie Isaacs]. They take the awkward Veronica under their wing and transform her into the thing she hates most about high school in order to make it past the constant bullying but the consequences prove to be deadly once Veronica meets the mysterious JD. Veronica falls head over heels for JD who is damaged beyond repair but that only fuels their toxic relationship.
The show is vibrant, full of energy and quite simply perfection. The full cast are outstanding giving a perfect balance of sass and evil with characters that are all identifiable as soon as they step onto the stage. Carrie Hope Fletcher plays Veronica with a level of cool and calm that makes her seem even more twisted in parts which work so well along with a voice which is so powerful it nearly blows the roof off the theatre! Jamie Muscato does an incredible job with JD and is entirely captivating as the show progresses and JD becomes more undone playing the fine line between insane and evil with unbelievable skill, along with a voice that is gold. The three Heathers lead by Jodie Steel are hideous but in the best possible way and are characters that you love to hate and absolutely smash ‘Candy Store’ making it a highlight for any longstanding Heathers fans. Special mention must go to Jenny O’Leary who plays Martha who brings an honesty and sincerity to the show and a character a lot of people will identify with. She sings ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’ beautifully and plays the pain and comedy with real skill.
The production is truly outstanding and it’s not difficult to see why this show had such huge success at The Other Palace and it fully deserves this West End transfer. The score is wonderful and full of songs that will stick with you for days after which in my opinion is the sign of a great show! Qudos to the entire production team for bringing all the elements together seamlessly, it’s just a shame it’s only playing till November! I urge everyone to catch this limited run as you will not be disappointed and you will get swept along with the Heathers Buzz, it really is ‘Beautiful’!