Lucy Morris
Heathers the Musical bombs its way back into London’s West End
Heathers the Musical, Theatre Royal Haymarket, 22 June – 12th September 2021
Based on the 1988 film of the same title starring Winona Ryder, Heathers the Musical (Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy) is back in town for a limited time only, and it sure is set to be Big Fun. The cult classic musical adaptation shepherds’ bags of colour, corn nuts and coercion back to the Theatre Royal Haymarket after its initial 2018 West End transfer, and with a (mostly) brand new cast.
Due to the unfortunate, although unsurprising, news that theatres would not be given the green light to abandon social distancing on the 21st June as planned, the show had the arduous task of rearranging the auditorium under government guidelines. With vacant seats in inoperative rows, the theatre feels desolate and lacking its usual buzz when you are initially seated, but this did not stop the company from devoting themselves to delivering an unforgettable performance.
Christina Bennington (Bat Out of Hell) plays the somewhat naïve yet fiercely determined Veronica Sawyer opposite Jordan Luke Gage’s (& Juliet) enigmatically handsome yet eerily traumatising JD. The lovers meet, fall for one another and clamber over many tempestuous obstacles, leading to an inevitably explosive (if you know, you know) demise. Bennington brings life to the stage, taking us on her character’s journey with each faultlessly belted note, perfectly timed reaction, and pertinent facial expression. Her rendition of I Say No leaves no jaw left un-dropped, demonstrating that the role of Veronica may just have been written for her. Gage superbly compliments Bennington with his portrayal of the beautifully disturbing JD, encouraging the audience to feel sorrow for, to put it bluntly, a homicidal maniac. The pair shine through amongst the absurd, farcical storyline that pays homage to the 80s feature and are exemplary leads in this West End comeback.
Top to bottom: Christine Bennington (Veronica) and the cast of Heathers the Musical; Jordan Luke Gage (JD) and the cast of Heathers the Musical. Credit: Pamela Raith Photography
Jodie Steele is the only returning Original West End cast member, reviving her role of the ‘mythic bitch’, Heather Chandler. Love to hate her, Chandler is the superior of the brassy and popular Heather’s trio, but ultimately meets her expiration in the first act, coming back as a ghost throughout the rest of the show to mirror Veronica’s guilt. Steele’s interpretation of the ice-cold bully is nothing short of faultless; her presence never goes unnoticed, her comedic timing entirely unmatched. Bobbie Little (Jesus Christ Superstar) and Frances Mayli McCann (Evita) complete the threesome, playing retribution-seeking Heather Duke and apprehensive Heather McNamara. Both Little and McCann’s portrayals bring a unique and pronounced addition to the stage, with the character’s equally coming into their own after their leader’s mighty fall.
Credit – Pamela Raith Photography
The rest of the cast provide energetic and high-octane entertainment, balancing the passionately crazy with typical High School happenings. A special mention to Madison Swan who plays Veronica’s forgotten friend, Martha Dunnstock, for her rendition of the innocently comedic Kindergarten Boyfriend with delicate yet powerful vocals.
This show packs a punch (and a few other forms of assault), transitioning you from the madness that is our current real-life into the lunacy that is conveyed to you from the stage. Whether you see the show for its nostalgia, indefectible cast, or ridiculously catchy numbers, you do not want to be the one missing out on this: the hottest ticket in town. ‘How very!’
Words by Lucy Morris.
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