Leeds Grand Theatre – until 5th September 2026
Reviewed by Katie Brewerton
5*****
Heathers, has accrued a huge cult following and it’s easy to see why. This was my second time seeing the show and it was equally as good the second time and is a show I would happily watch again and again. Based on the 1989 film of the same name, Heathers has a Mean Girls vibe just much darker.
The 3 ‘Heathers’ rule the school at Westerberg High, with Heather Chandler (Liberty Stottor) and her minions Heather Duke (Jessica Ibadin) and Heather McNamara (Lou Henry) having full control. Veronica (Gerardine Sacdalan), offers her services as an excellent note forger in exchange for sitting with the ‘Heathers’ at lunch in order to raise her social status in her senior year of High School. She soon realises spending time with them will be a challenge as they continuously make fun of and pick on her classmates, especially her closest and oldest friend Martha (Sophie Manners).
After a particularly difficult night for Veronica in which the Heathers play a particularly cruel prank on Martha, Veronica finally stands up to them and is threated with social ruin. She seeks comfort in the arms of new kid J.D. (Louis Hearsey) who is more than happy to offer a shoulder to cry on. As Veronica and J.D.’s relationship develops Veronica learns of his darker side and just how far he’s willing to go to ensure no one hurts her.
Heathers explores a host of harrowing themes including, suicide, abuse and rape. Yet, still remains witty and a lot of fun. With fantastic music and lyrics by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe including Seventeen, Candy Store and My Dean Gay Son. The show manages to address serious themes and shows what teenagers go through, which are still prevalent today despite the show being set almost 50 years ago.
The cast gave this show something extra, the whole ensemble was fantastic. Sacdalan and Hearse have undeniable chemistry and their happy, fun dynamic makes it easy to see why Veronica is left in such a predicament and why J.D. continues to win her over despite his more and more questionable behaviour. Stottor and Ibadin nailed the ‘Bitch’ role and special mention also must go to Markus Sodegren and Beau Jackson’s portrayal of Kurt and Ram, the arrogant, abusive jocks who have to spend half the show in their underwear. They played the foolish, bullies so well you almost feel they deserve what they get.
The story of Heathers is clever and has become universally loved by so many, I have never seen such a long queue for the Merchandise stand before a show. If you get the chance to go se Heathers don’t hesitate, get your ticket and you won’t regret it.