September 24th, 2024.
Dear Diary,
In a world where high school hierarchies reign supreme the UK tour of Heathers the Musical crashes onto Aberdeen’s HMT stage like a glittering grenade. Adapted from the cult classic film that gave us the phrase ‘What’s your damage?’ and a soundtrack of unforgettable angst, this musical iteration captures the razor-sharp wit and dark humour of teenage life.
With a blend of biting satire, catchy tunes, and a splash of murder, Heathers invites audiences to relive the highs and lows of adolescence – albeit with a slightly more lethal twist. Buckle up, because this isn’t just high school drama; it’s a rollercoaster of emotions that proves that being a teenager can sometimes be deadly – quite literally.
Following record breaking runs in the West End and two national tours, Heathers the Musical is back on tour. Exploding this week in the leading lady Jenna Innes’ hometown, Aberdeen. Produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd and Paul Taylor-Mills, this high octane, black comedy, rock musical punches you in the face with outstanding vocals and cut-throat humour.
Jenna Innes as Veronica Sawyer is a force to be reckoned with. Commanding the stage from the get-go with vocals that can knock you flat one moment and melt your heart the next. Innes’ brings a perfect mix of sass, vulnerability, and sharp wit to Veronica. Her powerhouse vocals, especially in numbers like ‘Dead Girl Walking’ and ‘I Say No’ are nothing short of electric, effortlessly moving between emotional highs and lows without missing a beat. Innes’ magnetic authenticity in her portrayal balances Veronica’s rebellious streak with just the right dose of teenage angst. Innes’ chemistry with the cast, particularly in her turbulent dance with JD, is palpable, making her Veronica the perfect blend of fierce, funny, and irresistibly relatable.
Keelan McAuley’s J.D. is nothing short of dangerously captivating, luring the audience in with the kind of charm that says ‘I’m trouble’. From the smooth, almost hypnotic vocals of ‘Freeze Your Brain’ to the raw, unhinged grit of ‘Our Love is God’ McAuley navigates JD’s vocal and emotional shifts with impressive finesse. His voice transitions from velvet to venom with startling ease, leaving the audience both seduced and slightly unnerved. Equal parts brooding bad boy and psychological ticking time bomb, McAuley’s JD is impossible to look away from, making every scene feel like a high-stakes game that could go off the rails at any second.
Heather Chandler is the ultimate queen bee, and Esme Bowdler is sickly sweet and totally terrifying all at once. She commands the stage with a hilarious presence, dripping with confidence and biting sarcasm that leaves no doubt who’s in charge at Westerberg High. Bowdler’s portrayal is as deliciously wicked as it is sharp, embodying Chandler’s icy dominance with ease while injecting just enough humour to make the character both fearsome and funny. Bowdler brings just the right amount of menace to the role, creating a character you love to hate.
Sedona Sky as Heather Duke is a revelation, transforming the once overshadowed minion into a character with serious bite. Sky’s performance takes Duke from meek follower to power-hungry queen with a sharp edge, and her moment to shine in “Never Shut Up Again” is nothing short of show-stopping. With commanding vocals and a newly unleashed confidence, Sky turns the song into a triumphant declaration, showcasing Duke’s rise with an infectious, almost ruthless energy. Her portrayal is both funny and fearsome as she travels from the sidelines to centre stage.
Madeleine Hargrave, stepping in as the third cover for Heather McNamara, brings a captivating mix of sweetness and depth to the role. She plays McNamara with an adorable, almost naive charm that makes her character’s vulnerability all the more poignant. Hargrave masterfully captures the underlying trouble beneath McNamara’s bubbly exterior, portraying her as a girl struggling to keep her head above water in a world of ruthless social politics. Her performance in “Lifeboat” is particularly moving, with gorgeous, heartfelt vocals that reveal McNamara’s inner turmoil. Hargrave’s delicate balance of innocence and emotional complexity makes her portrayal both touching and memorable, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Lucy Sinclair brings infectious energy to the role of Ms. Fleming, lighting up the stage with fabulous comic timing and vocal flair. Whether she’s delivering quirky, offbeat lines or leading the hilariously chaotic “Shine a Light” number, Sinclair’s over-the-top enthusiasm draws the audience into the absurdity of her character’s well-meaning but misguided attempts to guide her students. Her performance adds a burst of fun and levity to the darker moments of the show.
Martha Dunnstock performed by Amy Miles with a heartfelt sensitivity that resonates deeply with the audience. A standout moment for Miles is her rendition of ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’ that leaves you with goosebumps. Miles captures the essence of Martha’s outsider status while highlighting her resilience and inner strength, making her journey both relatable and inspiring.
Iván Fernández González and Jason Battersby bring high energy to their roles as Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney, embodying the quintessential dumb jocks with a blend of charm and reckless abandon. Their comedic chemistry creates absolute hilarity, especially in numbers like ‘Big Fun’. However, beneath the surface of their fun-loving personas lies a darker edge, they expertly shift into menacing figures in ‘You’re Welcome’ showcasing their capacity for intimidation and reinforcing the toxic dynamics of high school life. González and Battersby navigate this duality with finesse, making Kurt and Ram memorable characters who add a perfect dose of chaos and comedy to the production while reminding us of the thin line between hilarity and hostility.
Conor McFarlane and Alexander Service deliver scene-stealing performances as Ram and Kurt’s Dads, bringing an unexpected yet hilarious twist to Act 2. Their show-stopping number, “My Dead Gay Son,” is an enormous energy boost that injects the second act with a much-needed punch of humour and heart. Their dynamic presence and boundless energy make the song a standout, providing the audience with both laughs and an oddly touching message about love and understanding.
The ensemble in this production of Heathers plays a crucial role in bringing the chaotic world of Westerberg High to life. Far from being background players, they explode onstage with energy and sharp character work that amplifies the show’s biting satire.
Each ensemble member skillfully transitions between various roles – from cliques of high schoolers to authority figures – adding depth and texture to the social hierarchy the story mocks. Their seamless integration into the choreography and musical numbers, particularly in group scenes like “Big Fun” and “Shine a Light,” elevates the show’s sense of community, while highlighting the absurdity and pressures of teenage life. The ensemble’s commitment to their roles gives the production a vibrant pulse, enriching the story with humour, tension, and an infectious energy that underscores every moment on stage. All the while, each of them capable of jumping into a leading role as Swings, a testament to the immense talent of this touring cast.
The ensemble cast are as follows; Ben Fenwick, Lewis Asquith, Bradly Doko, Jasmine Cole, Kelly Sweeney, Eliza Bowden and May Tether.
The creative team behind the Heathers UK Tour 2024 has masterfully reimagined the cult classic for the stage, infusing it with fresh energy while honouring its iconic roots. Under the sharp direction of Andy Fickman, the show maintains a delicate balance between dark humour and genuine heart, allowing its satirical edge to shine without losing its emotional impact. Gary Lloyd’s vibrant choreography adds a kinetic punch to the musical numbers, making the high school chaos feel larger than life. Ben Cracknell’s dynamic lighting design amplifies the show’s tension and energy, using vivid colours and sharp contrasts to reflect the intensity of both the comedy and drama. David Shields’ set design is equally impressive, transforming the stage into a slick, neon-drenched Westerberg High, complete with modular elements that smoothly transition between scenes. With Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe’s electrifying score and driving the action, the team’s bold vision successfully transforms Heathers into a visually striking and aurally explosive experience, ensuring this tour feels both nostalgic and thrillingly new.
Heathers the Musical is a riotous, neon-fueled ride through the perilous world of high school, blending dark comedy with poignant moments of self-reflection. The UK tour cast delivers strong performances, nailing the show’s balance between biting satire and heartfelt emotion. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or new to the mayhem of Westerberg High, this production leaves you buzzing with its killer tunes and even sharper wit. It’s a wild, wickedly fun reminder that sometimes the only way to survive high school is with a little attitude—and a lot of musical flair.
Heathers is running at His Majesty’s Theatre from the 24th to the 28th September 2024.
Join in on the Big Fun and get your tickets here – https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/heathers/
Theatre Scotland 
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