Review: HEATHERS, Theatre Royal Haymarket
Photo credit: Pamela Raith
We’ve always known that London theatre is magical, resilient and inspiring but the current production of Heathers, playing at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, takes it to a whole new level. From the second the school bell sounds, we know we are in for a serious treat. There’s no beating about the bush, this production is flawless.
Christina Bennington (Bat Out of Hell) leads the charge, commanding the stage and befriending the audience with effortless charm and quirky adorableness. Everything about her performance is natural and packs a punch with incredible talent. It’s such a joy to sit back and hear her sing. The Heathers (Jodie Steele, Bobbie Little, and Frances Mayli McCann) are both hilarious and terrifying, taking us right back to our own high school days. They work impeccably as a trio and a real early highlight of the show is ‘Candy Store’, full of flawless harmonies and fabulous choreography.
In fact, on the subject of dance numbers, Gary Lloyd’s choreography is amazing and really captures both the era and the spirit of high school. In both ‘My Dead Gay Son’ and ‘Shine A Light’, the choreography creates an exhilarating atmosphere and is so satisfying to watch.
The level of talent on one stage is completely mind-blowing. Every single cast member gives 200% with a level of commitment that makes us realise how thankful and lucky we are to both be back in theatres and to have such a resilient industry. In particular, Jordan Luke Gage really shines as JD, tackling an emotionally challenging role with honesty and passion. We’ve all heard the harmonies in ‘Seventeen’ on various cast recordings but hearing them live, sung by Bennington and Gage, is spine-tingling. Madison Swan’s Martha Dunnstock also takes our breath away with ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’, proving that pure storytelling is at the heart of any incredible performance.
From start to finish, the entire production is electrifying. It gives us what we want, and then some! From flash costume changes onstage to stunning vocals from the entire cast, this is a production that you simply shouldn’t miss, Besties. Your jaw will drop, you’ll be on your feet, laughing and tearing up all in one performance. It is everything we wanted it to be, and so much more.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Eliza Harris
Heathers runs at the Theatre Royal Haymarket until 11 September. To book tickets, please click here.
