Mean Girls At Regent Theatre Stoke-on-Trent Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Alexander Wilde

Resplendent in pink, ‘Mean Girls’ assuredly struts into Stoke-on-Trent for the next leg of its applauded UK tour. This week, the “so fetch” Regent Theatre is transporting us straight to the halls of North Shore High School (NSHS) with all the characters, chaos and cutting humour that fans of the franchise will know and love; delivered with a fresh musical energy that more than earns its place on the “popular list”.

Any adaption of a cult favourite can be challenging, particularly years after release. For many fans, it is a moment which is synonymous with a period in their lives, and, like mean girls, is not to be trifled with. Written by comic star Tina Fey, the original film released in 2004, starring Lindsey Lohan, quickly became part of pop culture shorthand, endlessly quoted and is still referenced two decades on. Its journey into a stage musical in 2018 gave it a whole new life, and more recently the 2024 film reworking of that musical completed a rather unusual full circle. With years of touring behind it and award recognition along the way, this is very much a production that arrives already proven. Luckily for fans, as well as those new to the story, this is show that understands exactly what it is and delivers it with confidence, clarity, and plenty of sharp-edged charm.

For those unfamiliar, the story follows Cady Heron (Emily Lane), who moves from Kenya to suburban America and experiences mainstream school life for the first time after years of being home educated. Thrown from the wild and open plains of Africa into the tightly packed ecosystem of NSHS, she must quickly learn the rules of a very different kind of survival where friendship groups form shifting tribes, and status is everything. What begins as innocent adaptation soon draws her into the orbit of the school’s most dominant clique, where identity, belonging and influence begin to blur in ways that are both humorous and sharply revealing.

Emily Lane’s Cady Heron is quietly compelling. She brings a gentle openness to the role that makes her eventual shift more noticeable, as innocence gives way to something more calculating without ever fully losing the character’s heart. Lyrically this journey is mirrored in her solos, which are faultless. Opposite her, Regina George (Vivian Panka) is sharply drawn and controlled throughout. It’s not a loud or overly showy take; it’s measured and deliberate, every glance and pause doing just as much work as the dialogue itself. Vocally, this control is just as evident, with a confident, assured singing style that reinforces Regina’s dominance.

Regina is the head of a trio of ‘Plastics’, a hard, shiny, polished and very much a man-made group, who are equally admired, emulated and feared. Alongside her, Kiara Dario’s Gretchen Wieners is nervy and eager to please, constantly on the edge of breaking point, while Sophie Pourret’s simple Karen Smith finds a lovely comic ease without ever feeling like she’s tipping into caricature. Altogether, they feel like a unit that’s both magnetic and unstable in equal measure.

Sadie Levett (by no means an understudy in last night’s performance) as Janis and Max Gill’s Damian bring a welcome change of pace whenever they appear. In script and song, there’s warmth and bite in their partnership, with sharp comic timing sitting alongside a genuine sense of loyalty and frustration that keeps them grounded. They act as narrators, frequently breaking the ‘fourth wall’, observers and participants in the chaos, and that dual role works well in keeping the story anchored.

Elsewhere, the ensemble deserve credit for how smoothly everything swings. This is a high-energy, non-stop performance. Scene changes are quick and clean, with corridors, classrooms and parties appearing almost seamlessly. There’s a discipline to the way the company shifts between moments, and it keeps the tunes flowing without ever letting things feel static. The musical numbers are delivered with pace and purpose, each one clearly designed to move the story forward rather than pause it. Choreography is delivered with confidence and just the right level of polish, capturing the exaggerated world of high school life without pushing too far into excess. Visually, the production is sleek and modern in its approach. Digital staging and lighting are used to good effect, supporting rather than overshadowing what’s happening on stage. It allows the show to flit between locations in a contemporary and uncluttered way.

What lingers, though, is how familiar and relevant the story still feels. Beneath the humour and gloss, there’s still a very clear exploration of identity, belonging, and the pressure to fit into social structures that don’t always feel kind or fair. It’s heightened, of course, but not far removed from recognisable experience, and that’s where its impact continues to land.

The audience enjoyment was unmistakable. ‘Mean Girls’ at the Regent Theatre is polished, energetic and confidently delivered, with a clear understanding of both its legacy and its audience. It doesn’t need to reinvent itself here, it simply needs to land well. And it does with aplomb!

For long-time fans, there’s plenty to recognise and enjoy. For newcomers, it’s a uplifting tale of social commentary that, even over twenty years on, still lands with surprising relevance. Beneath the humour and heightened high school hierarchy the messages on identity, belonging and the pressure to conform hit home. ‘Mean Girls’ is a witty reminder that kindness matters, and that there’s real strength in showing up as your authentic self. It is a great night out, and yes, on Wednesdays or any other night, pink still very much works.

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Tickets cost from £35 (plus £3.95 transaction fee).

On Stage from 31st May to 4th April 2026
For more information or to book tickets visit https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mean-girls/regent-theatre/ or call the box office on 0333 009 6690

Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP

Missed the bus at Stoke? Full tour details: https://meangirlsmusical.com

The Regent Theatre stands within a clean, well-lit and safe pedestrianised area of the city centre which has benefited from extensive regeneration. The impressive entrance dominates the parade creating a social focal point. Many theatregoers were out front enjoying drinks in the dry Spring evening. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. We parked on a street with pay and display evening rates; a brief walk from the theatre.

The theatre reopened in 1999 after being restored to its former art-deco glory – the main foyer is elegant and spacious. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We explored the various levels, and we found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked and of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and circle seats, both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.