Book, Music and Lyrics: Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe
Based on the film by: Daniel Waters
Director: Andy Fickman
Heathers was a cult teen movie back in the 1980s and now Heathers The Musical has a cult following – among teens to 20-somethings – having lost none of its wicked sense of humour.
The touring production came to Newcastle Theatre Royal last night and played to a wonderfully young and excited audience. A significant number came dressed for the occasion in short checked skirts, red blazers and red scrunchies like those worn by the Heathers of the title and their screams of delight echoed to the most popular songs.
The show dates back to 2014 and, after its catchy soundtrack was leaked online, slowly picked up a legion of fans leading to ever longer theatre runs and tours.
Set in 1989 at an Ohio High School, it perfectly captures the toxic influences teenagers have always struggled with amongst their peers and from overbearing adults, never mind any self doubts and fears. Then a charismatic psychopath is thrown into the mix, having been transferred from another school for the umpteenth time.
The Heathers – pupils Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara - are neon bright and universally popular. They can also be very cruel. Their theme song Candy Store pounds with their power and energy to which all must succumb.
Our heroine, nerdy Veronica, is also in thrall and manages to join the Heathers’ clique. Her suspect moral compass spins ever more out of control when she falls for mysterious new boy J.D.
Jenna Innes as Veronica has perfect diction and an amazing voice. In fact the cast is full of strong, beautiful voices including imposing Esme Bowdler as Heather Chandler, Lucy Sinclair as livewire Ms Fleming, Amy Miles as put-upon Martha and Keelan McAuley as growly J.D.
The lyrics, by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, are often clever and poignant, such as when disturbed J.D. slurps a slushie and sings: “The sky’s gonna hurt when it falls, so you better start building some walls. Freeze your brain.”
There are around 20 songs in all, plus reprises, but they don’t replace the spoken words, just amplify them. Many songs are improbably upbeat and jauntily choreographed, given the circumstances of the plot. However, one of the funniest, reflecting the overall black humour, is My Dead Gay Son, which, incredibly, ends with one of the most positive moments of the whole piece.
Mention must go too to the Chip ‘n’ Dale-like jocks Kurt, played by Iván Fernández González and Jason Battersby, who are constantly humorously interacting, as well as being called on to spend half the night in their underpants.
The set is imposing but largely static and much of the work is done by the lighting, designed by Ben Cracknell.
The show is suggested as suitable for over 14s but be aware, much of the plot is about suicide, sex (consensual or otherwise), bullying and violence. The catchy tunes are also laced with strong language.
All of that, without doubt, has much to do with its appeal to a younger audience whose exposure to the like has been intensified and compounded by a post-1989, post-Heathers teenage world dominated by the internet and social media. Thank goodness they can see the funny side!
Runs until 7 September 2024
The Reviews Hub Score
Dark but larky teen drama
