Welcome to Westerberg High where tartan rules and teenage angst meets dark humour in a high-energy amalgamation of chaos, cliques and killer tunes. Created by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, Heathers the Musical has garnered a devoted following among throngs of fans, enjoying successful runs in New York, Los Angeles and London. The sensational musical adaptation is based on the 1989 cult teen hit, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, and arrived in Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre on October 1st.
Opening night drew young girls and women alike, many dressed in blazers, tartan skirts, and Mary Janes. The excitement and dedication in the air made the evening feel like a true celebration of the Heathers fandom. Heathers the Musical focuses on Veronica Sawyer’s rise in popularity as she navigates the beautiful, yet impossibly cruel Heathers. Her desire to escape the trio’s toxic influence leads her into an unexpected and perilous relationship with the brooding newcomer, Jason ‘J.D.’ Dean, setting off a chain of events that challenges her morals and sense of identity.
Having never seen the original film and intentionally keeping myself in the dark about the musical’s plot and numbers, I went in with no expectations. I was set on experiencing the production with fresh eyes and being surprised by whatever unfolded on stage. Suffice it to say, I was thoroughly impressed.
The cast delivered exceptional performances. One of the night’s standout acts came from Esme Bowdler who plays Heather Chandler. Bowdler’s portrayal of Heather perfectly encapsulated the queen bee persona, commanding both reverence and fear, ultimately rivalling iconic characters like Regina George and Kathryn Merteuil. I was particularly in awe of her performance during ‘Candy Store’ – her sharp delivery, combined with precise and confident dance moves, accurately embodied Heather Chandler’s domineering persona, making the number an outstanding moment.
Another highlight was the on-stage chemistry between understudy May Tether as Veronica and Keelan McAuley as J.D. Their contrasting personalities created an electrifying dynamic, with a compelling dance of push and pull that kept the audience fully engaged. Tether and McAuley skillfully showcased the intensity of the main characters’ relationship, seamlessly blending vulnerability and tension that kept the audience at the edge of their seats. In addition, their heartfelt duet ‘Seventeen’ stood out as one of the most emotionally resonant songs, further emphasising that vulnerability.
Sedona Sky as Heather Duke was formidable in ‘Never Shut Up Again,’ with her powerful vocals stealing the spotlight. Her commanding presence, paired with a bold and fun costume change, made the number visually striking and vocally impressive.
The production made clever use of a relatively small stage, transitioning from high school hallways and gymnasiums to bedrooms and more. While the set design changes were creative, I was not always fully immersed. For instance, during a garden scene in Veronica’s home, a turned wall still displayed the high school logo, which momentarily broke the illusion of the setting.
With so many acclaimed runs already under its belt, it’s no surprise that this show is well-executed and captivating, delivering a robust performance filled with memorable characters, catchy musical numbers, and a strong ensemble cast. Although some aspects of the set design did not fully immerse audiences, the cast’s exceptional performances more than made up for it. Longtime fans and newcomers are in for a fun, darkly humorous, and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the final bow.
Rating: ★★★★☆
Heathers is playing at the Lyceum Theatre until October 5th, & touring the U.K. until November 23rd
