Book, Music and Lyrics: Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe
Director: Andy Fickman
Following its musical theatre debut in 2014,Heathers The Musical has won countless awards and 
gained a dedicated, loyal fanbase which rivals the popularity of some of the longstanding musicals in recent decades. The musical is a highly successful stage adaptation of the 1988 film, which, for all the plaudits it gained for tapping into sensitive themes, never became the box office hit it always hoped to be.
Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe have brought new life into this powerful story for the stage. The cult following from its screen days has grown tenfold: the excitement can be felt from outside the auditorium as eager theatregoers wait patiently to see Heathers for the umpteenth time by donning their favourite Heather Chandler, Duke, or McNamara costume.
Westerberg High is the setting. Some might say it is your typical high school; cliques, popularity contests, and a battle to survive. Encapsulating this stereotype perfectly are the three most popular girls in town: the Heathers. Heather Chandler, Heather Duke, and Heather McNamara own the school grounds. Their overwhelming confidence and aura are enough to make the rest of Westerberg quiver. Veronica Sawyer is just one of those students who knows her place, but in a fight to survive high school and find her identity, she goes to desperate lengths to befriend the cruellest and most sadistic trio she’s ever encountered. When her conscience plays havoc with her emotions, will she make the right choices, or will she face the wrath of the ‘lip gloss Gestapo?
The pace of this story is perfect. The writing allows the show to glide along, engaging the audience at every twist and turn. While some moments are typically corny, this is to be expected of a musical set in an American high school: you will do well to find such a stage show which doesn’t dabble in corniness from time to time. Murphy and O’Keefe have skilfully blended this with serious, powerful and thought-provoking moments throughout which leaves the characters and audience reflecting on identity issues that we may all relate to in some way. Andy Fickman’s direction on this touring piece helps deliver some of the finest black comedy on stage.
The choreography from Gary Lloyd is demanding of the cast and is skillfully tied into the musical numbers to enhance them. The songbook is catchy when it needs to be, and powerful throughout, with each number carrying much deeper meaning to the individual struggles that some of the characters face. The lighting design by Ben Cracknell also feeds into this; offering a multi-coloured spectacle to reflect the glitz and glam of the Heathers at the start of the play, which contrasts with the cold, atmospheric spotlights at its darkest moments.
Veronica Sawyer is played superbly by Jenna Innes, who captures the tumultuous journey that Sawyer goes on in her quest to find her identity before becoming tangled in a web of lies and guilt. Jacob Fowler does well in the role of the misunderstood ‘J.D’ as his character tackles his issues head-on in a way which can only be described as aggressive. The energy behind the performance certainly comes from two inseparable groups. Verity Thompson, Elise Zavou, and Billy Bowman showcase elegance in their portrayal of the most popular trio around. Meanwhile, Alex Woodward and Morgan Jackson are hilarious in the roles of the high school jocks.
Heathers The Musical is a different beast to the original film. Its serious themes are blended superbly with dark comedy The added bonus of powerful musical numbers makes this a production that is not to be missed.
Runs until 23 September 2023 and on tour
The Reviews Hub Score
Dark Comedy at its finest!
