Mean Girls – Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton

Book: Tina Fey 

Music: Jeff Richmond 

Lyrics: Nell Benjamin 

Director: Casey Nicholaw 

How far would you go to fit in? What would you sacrifice to be part of the in crowd? And how can you find your way back after poor choices make you let people down?

These are all questions at the heart of Mean Girls, the musical based on the 2004 film starring Lindsay Lohan. In the programme, the creators discuss these questions and others as they adapt the iconic film to stage and update it for the more modern crowd. They acknowledge, for example, that one thing that has massively changed in society since 2004 is the growth of social media and its impact on social interactions, one reason, perhaps, that they suggest today’s society is actually meaner than that in 2004. While the show does accept and include the use of smartphones, they don’t feel integral to the action; the bullying and manipulation is still very much old school and in your face. Even so, the creators make the valid point that it’s even more important now that Mean Girls’ messages about ourselves and our actions land.

This makes what is, at its core, a coming-of-age American High School tale sound much heavier than the final product is. But thanks to a truly witty and insightful book from Tina Fey, supported by songs by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin, it works – and works for audiences of all ages, even if this press night audience was heavily skewed towards teen girls. The elements come together to produce an entertaining night out; there’s razzmatazz and production numbers on the one hand, as well as glimpses of vulnerability. The book and songs complement each other, carrying the story forward; each principal has at least one number in which they can set out their stall and help the audience get inside their character. There’s also a large ensemble cast, superbly choreographed by director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw, helping drive and support the moods. Scott Pask’s set is slick, transporting us from location to location seamlessly, while Katrina Lindsay’s costumes underline each character and their place in the hierarchy as they complete their journeys.

One small issue, however, is that some songs have quite complex lyrics and they can sometimes get lost in the overall sound mix, diluting their impact.

At the top of the show, we’re greeted by misfit students Damian Hubbard (Max Gill) and Janis Sarkisian (Georgie Buckland). She is streetwise and wisecracking, he is flamboyantly camp and they act as our narrators for the evening, occasionally offering an acerbic comment on the action. But they’re not just observers; their characters are central to the story and its direction. Larger than life, it’s difficult to tear your eyes away from Gill’s Damian when he’s on stage, while Buckland ensures that Janis’ backstory and later vulnerability are to the fore. Both also have terrific singing voices – in common with this entire cast.

Damian and Janis fill us in on the background of Cady Heron (Emily Lane), who is new to the school and to American education, having spent the last several years being homeschooled by her scientist mother in Kenya. They act as Cady’s guides until she finds her feet, and a friendship is soon established.

But that’s threatened by the arrival of The Plastics – a trio of girls who rule the roost under Queen Bee Regina George (Vivian Panka). Cady finds herself drawn into their circle, naïvely making some poor decisions and alienating those close to her: can she find her way back?

Lane is in fine form as socially awkward Cady, desperately trying to find a way in and misconstruing the motives of others. Even as she appears to be accepted by The Plastics and her confidence grows, Lane ensures that her awkwardness and vulnerability are never far beneath the surface.

Regina could easily be played with no redeeming features, but Panka also brings a fragility to her; her self-image is maybe not where she’d like it to be, and that enables Cady to prank her. Regina’s second-in-command, Gretchen (Kiara Dario), seems the stereotypical gofer. But she has more depth, shown in a nuanced performance from Dario as we see her desire simply to be noticed. Plenty of comedy comes from the third member of The Plastics, Karen (Sophie Pourret). Karen is one of life’s followers and not very bright. Pourret does, nevertheless, make sure that she doesn’t slip into comic-book caricature.

Mean Girls is a bright, funny and surprisingly warm night out, with enough bite around the edges to stop the sugar rush taking over.

Runs until 27 June 2026 and on tour