REVIEW: HEATHERS The musical - at the wales millennium centre
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Colour me stoked! Heathers is back in town and boy did it arrive with a bang. Based on the classic 80s film of the same name, Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy’s music add a new surge of life to this cult classic.
Catch it at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 26th of August
Set in Sherwood Ohio 1989 we are presented with the story of Veronica Sawyer, a 17 year old just trying to get through high school. The story follows Veronica as she becomes wrapped up with the infamous school bullies, the Heathers, in an attempt at achieving popularity. Additionally, the arrival ofthe mysterious boy named JD at Westerburg High causesVeronica to battle through some pretty dark plot twists.
Every member of the cast gave flawless and dedicated performances throughout. Jacob Fowler’s haunting performance as troubled teen JD was mesmerising. His ability to make such a complicated character comedic, loveable and disconcerting all in unison was impressive to say the least. Verity Thompson was everything you would want Heather Chandler to be. An iconic high school villain that you can’t help but admire, not to mention her insane vocal ability andimpeccable comedic timing.
However, the stand out performance without a doubt goes to Jenna Innes’ glorious portrayal of Veronica Sawyer. Innes leads the cast with such ease and, as an audience, you are able to feel truly safe in her ability to guide you through the narrative. Furthermore, her vocal ability is outrageous! Just when you think she can’t get any better… she sings Dead Girl Walking. If you know you know!
Although Heathers is extremely comical at times, it does deal with some serious and mature themes such as suicide, depression, murder and rape. Despite these dark themes, the overarching message of Heathers is that we should all be more accepting and loving towards each other. It’s a scary world but if we can stand together we will get through even the darkest of times. In the final song Veronica sings ‘’ We’re all damaged, we’re all frightened, we’re all freaks but that’s alright. We’ll survive it.’’ And I think that it was a moment that resonated with a lot of members of the audience. Especially the younger generation who are perhaps findingthemselves in a world of Heathers and Marthas even today.
Heathers is a show not to be missed. The book, music, costumes, lighting, staging and choreography all work together to create a truly iconic musical that has received high levels of critical acclaim both on tour and on the West End. So what are you waiting for? You have until the 26th August to catch it at the Wales Millennium Centre. How Very!