Words by Maria Robinson
Heathers: The Musical | Theatre Royal Bath until 3 August
When thinking of musicals that had a cult-like following in the 2010s, Heathers: The Musical immediately comes to mind. With its upbeat ear-worms, campy dark humour, and teen angst melodrama, it was a sure fire hit with audiences. First debuting worldwide in 2014, it received its West-End edition in 2018. With a few song switch ups and script changes, it continues to be wildly popular with the masses.
Despite being set in 1980s middle America, the themes of belonging, bullying and the glamorisation of suicide are more than relevant now. With a highly teen girl audience it’s understandable why they seem so enamoured with it. Using the familiar format of a high school romantic comedy, Heathers hits all the familiar beats of mean girl cliques, somewhat useless faculty and horn dog jocks before establishing itself as something darker midway through Act 1.
Jenna Innes’ Veronica is quick witted while desperately trying to maintain her own sense of identity against her peers and her want for love and popularity. Her chemistry with the mysterious Jason (J.D) Dean is electric throughout the show. Keelan McAuley brings a sensitive but sharp charm that quickly turns sinister. His performance lets you sympathise for him without downplaying his violent and more maniacal actions.
Chewing the scenery, even as ghosts, meat-headed footballers Kurt and Ram (Iván Fernández González and Jason Battersby) kept the audience laughing even after their untimely deaths. The titular Heathers; Chandler, Duke and MacNamara are not to be forgotten. With Head Heather Chandler played by Esme Bowdler, perfectly embodying the ‘I hate her, I want to be her’ uncompromising megabitch of every teenage nightmare.
Despite its body count, by the end you will be leaving the theatre humming one of the many catchy tunes. With high energy dance numbers, surreal dream sequences and surprisingly tender moments throughout, Heathers: The Musical is one killer night out at the theatre. So, if you want to watch a bunch of teenagers kill each other, and attempt to kill themselves, head to the Theatre Royal while this show plays until 3 August.
Tickets available at theatreroyal.org.uk
Feature Image credit: Pamela Raith