Book, Music and Lyrics: Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe
Director: Andy Fickman
High school is tough enough as it is without the fear of murder, or supposed suicide, both of which lovestruck Veronica has to face in this hit musical Heathers, which reaches Dartford’s Orchard Theatre as part of its UK Tour.
The musical, based on the 1989 film starring Winona Ryder, follows Veronica as she navigates transitioning from high school nerd to being part of the popular ‘Heathers’ group, embedding herself among a trio of ‘Heathers’, the three popular girls at Westerberg High School. Veronica soon finds her feet within the group, having her loyalties with nerdier friends tested, but things twist once she meets, and falls for, Jason Dean, JD, whose actions, seen as attempts to avenge the mistreatment of Veronica, throw the school into chaos and leaves lives in mortal jeopardy. Heathers is a musical with an outlandishly silly plotline, packed with a plethora of catchy songs superbly performed, which has garnered a cult following, and this deliriously silly production certainly pleases.
Jenna Innes’ Veronica experiences a breadth of emotions in this piece. Moving from a shy and troubled teen on the periphery of high school society to one of the cool kids, Innes crafts this portrayal well, signalling the gradual changes in Veronica’s character successfully. Veronica struggles with her conscience as she wrestles with what she and JD have done, and Innes subtly draws this out in her performance, with small glances and moments of grimace.
Alongside Innes is Jacob Fowler, whose JD grows in menace as the production unfolds. Graced in a dark overcoat that rarely comes off, JD is the stereotypical teen who threatens violence in American schools, and Fowler does well to not shrug off JD’s charm too early as he wraps Veronica in his spell.
The iconic ‘Heathers’ of this performance are portrayed by Verity Thompson, Elise Zavou and Billie Bowman, and each brings their own unique take on the three popular girls who, in their own way, control the running of Westerberg High. In truth, Heathers relies on having strong ‘Heathers’, and this production does not disappoint. Thompson’s Heather Chandler is brutal in her control and put down of others, quickly establishing herself as the initial villain of the piece and ringleader of the trio. The sass of the three, quickly set out in a brilliant number, Candy Shop’ in Act One, catapults this production to a new level from the start. Zavou, Heather Duke, and Bowman, Heather McNamara, fall into Heather Chandler’s initial shadow, but when the ringleader departs, both have their moments in the spotlight, with varied outcomes. Bowman deserves particular plaudits for her portrayal of the fragile McNamara, who grapples with mental health issues, and draws this out in the beautiful Hey Yo, Westerberg number in Act Two.
Despite some of the show’s darker themes, with its takes on mental health, suicide and sexuality, this remains, at times, a very funny and goofy show. The ensemble cast provides caricatures of the high schoolers, and it is this humour and warmth which emanates from the ensemble that helps Heathers achieve its cult status.
Heathers boasts some of the most addictive and catchy songs in a musical at the moment, which adds further substance to this piece. Some laughs are bigger than others, and the production does lose a little of its bite in Act Two after an initially superb opening number but it is the work of the entire cast who straddle both the humour and important messages of the piece. Kingsley Morton, for example, is excellent as Martha Dunnstock, cruelly treated by her peers for her looks and, initially Veronica’s best friend. Fresh from her superb performance as Wednesday in the tour of The Addams Family, Morton’s tenderness is excellent, and it is just a shame she is not used more often.
One particularly striking aspect of this performance is the absolutely beautiful lighting design. Ben Cracknell’s powerful use of bold colours and bright spotlights creates a visually striking experience. While mostly employed in the first half rather than the whole play, the aura it creates around the Heathers when first meeting them is spectacular. Cracknell’s design aids the storytelling and there are not many musicals currently running which make such use of lighting as this one does.
Heathers is a lot of fun, and while it does lose its bite in the second half, there is a great deal of heart and emotion in this touring version which captures the essence of its predecessors that made it such an iconic fan-favourite. Despite its 80s setting, this show feels just as relevant today and, with a killer collection of songs, this is a fresh and fun musical.
Runs until 27 May 2023, then continues to tour.
The Reviews Hub Score
Addictively good songs
