Adapted for stage from the iconic cult classic of 1988, Heathers: the Musical exploded onto the stage at Milton Keynes theatre last night (10/09). Literally!

 

Picture the scene: Teenage anger, angst and anxiety, the hierarchy of the popular and the unpopular. It can be murder just getting by.  But, what is the price for popularity?

 

Welcome to Westerburg High, meet the Heathers, a callous trio all named Heather ( Chandler – Esme Bowdler, Duke – Sedona Sky, McNamara – Daisy Twells ). Ruling the school they allow the geeky protagonist of the show to join their clique, but by ‘join’ she’s really just their patsy. But Veronica Sawyer ( Jenna Innes ) is no pushover. Despising who her friends are, who they make her be and everything atrocious in between, she embarks – unwittingly? – on a killing spree with new boyfriend, the mysterious and raging JD ( Keelan Mcauly ).

 

Cue the most vivid show full of damaged and dangerous characters. The subject matter is extreme, violent, horrifying and brutal but the ingenious one liners and wicked wit slice through, oh so cleverly, to make the unacceptable acceptable if only for the stage.  It is deliberately provocative, intensely thought provoking and stuns, it just stuns.

 

You go through a rollercoaster of emotions watching Heathers, how can you possibly be enjoying and laughing at these awful topics, the cruelty and persecution, the phobic and the fierce savageness, the severe content… it’s so wrong, but amazingly, it’s so right. The designers, directors and choreographers have tuned this show exquisitely. The delivery is considered and edgy but they allow the flaws to show, the weakness and pain, and the me inside of me to be seen with pitch perfect performances. The dark humour takes the edge off the gritty moments. They make it real, relatable and realistic even if uncomfortably so. All credit to the makers and masters.

 

The Heathers cast are beyond incredible in their entirety, with high octane, energetic and engaging execution of their roles from all, physically, visually and vocally.

The music is addictive and crafted perfectly to the narrative with some songs having you dancing in your seat, others breaking your heart but all immersing you even further into the show.

As if that wasn’t enough, just wait for the lighting! Ben Cracknell, lighting designer, outdoes himself in this show. No spoilers, just go see.

In all, the stage management is astounding. You are literally right there in the moment throughout.

 

Heathers the Musical is in your face. It’s tense, it’s shocking. It’s psychotic and unpredictable. But dang, dang, diggity dang, it’s dead good.

 

 

 

“Heathers the Musical contains haze, loud noises including gun shots, flashing lights and strobe as well as strong language and mature themes, including bullying, murder, suicide, physical and sexual violence and references to eating disorders.

Support services are available at a national and local level – more information is available at heathersthemusical.com/support” MK Theatre Programme.

 

 

A full list of credits can be found online and in the programme. www.heathersthemusical.com/tour