Review: HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, The Alexandra Birmingham (UK tour)
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
The eagerly anticipated debut UK tour of Heathers the Musical is well underway, and is playing in Birmingham this week. The show’s popularity speaks for itself, having had acclaimed Off-West End and West End runs in 2018, followed by a repeat limited London engagement this summer. However, the tour channels and continues with the momentum created, spreading some “big fun” around the country.
Andy Fickman directs this fast-paced, high-energy black comedy which, although it doesn’t take itself too seriously and plays on American high school stereotypes, also addresses real-life dark issues such as suicide, bullying and sexual assault. Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s book, music and lyrics all work harmoniously together, forming a totally cohesive and brilliantly constructed show.
David Shields’ brick-dominated exterior school design covers the whole expanse of the stage, utilising the split levels well and rotating the bleachers to create a couple of the other settings. Ben Cracknell’s lighting is packed full of colour, particularly excelling in singling out the ‘Heathers’ to match their signature red, yellow and green costumes.
The phenomenal rock soundtrack is brought to life vibrantly by a six-piece band, led by Phil Cornwell, with expert sound designed by Dan Samson. Every beat of the music is recognised by choreographer Gary Lloyd, with this being some of his best work in my opinion, and delivered by the talented ensemble cast.
Rebecca Wickes as our protagonist Veronica Sawyer is an extreme talent and a force to be reckoned with. Her vocals are sensational, she maintains high stakes from start to finish and makes incredibly intelligent acting choices, whilst being 100% aware of everything going on around her. Her performances of ‘Dead Girl Walking’ and ‘Seventeen’, the latter with the charismatic Simon Gordon as JD, are flawless.
The ‘Heathers’ themselves are played fiercely by Maddison Firth (Chandler), Merryl Ansah (Duke) and Lizzy Parker (McNamara). The American version of St Trinians and 80’s version of Mean Girls, the ‘Heathers’ as characters are desirable and undesirable in equal measure, and are pitched perfectly. Liam Doyle and Rory Phelan as Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney respectively play the school jocks brilliantly and have a great performing chemistry between them.
For a tour that has not been on the road for long, this is an extremely polished and accomplished production, with every element of the show being a jigsaw puzzle piece that fits seamlessly with the next.
A modern musical triumph.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Jenny Ell
Heathers the Musical currently has tour dates until December 2021, with select venues available to book here.
