Heathers The Musical at Oxford Playhouse Review

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

Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn

You could not ask for a better way to spend an evening than at the Oxford Playhouse and having absolutely loved the legendary cult 80s high-school revenge film, Heathers (many years ago), I was really looking forward to seeing this musical adaptation.

The 1988 film Heathers, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater as teenage outcasts Veronica and JD stands out as one of the all-time best high school movies. Its appeal lying in the murderous and savage twists in the tale in what would otherwise be just a conventional and easily forgotten high school flick.

The story’s title comes from the names of the most popular girls at Westerberg High School – Heather. As outcast Veronica Sawyer desperately tries to become one of the cool kids, she is taken under the wing of the three Heathers as she navigates the conflicts of toxic school hierarchies. Somewhere along the way, Veronica also falls in love with JD, a damaged and darkly complex new boy at the school. As the story unfolds, the production gutsily explores many dark aspects of the high school experience with dark humour and incredible performances. The Playhouse turns out to be the perfect venue for this intimate and captivating show.

A funny, lively musical in which one of the main characters is essentially a high school shooter is a brave juxtaposition in current times and yet, this show brilliantly works and more. Written by Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe, this cult musical has all the classic comedy lines from the movie, with a whole lot more brilliance thrown in. The characters and plot are not quite as dark and savage as in the film but perfectly edgy enough for fans of the original. The songs are fantastic, sweet and funny, with the powerhouse ‘I Say No’ being my personal, favourite stand out number.

The incredibly talented cast really give it their all, whether they are in the ‘in’ crowd or not within this toxic culture, they are here to entertain and have a ball. With fabulous choreography, catchy numbers and a spot of hilarious audience participation thrown in, the performance is a blast from start to finish.

Huge congratulations to May Tether, brilliantly playing the role of Veronica, with exceptional vocals, stage presence and great comic timing with her cynical one liners cutting straight through the fakery and pretence as her character struggles to hold onto her integrity.

Keelan McAuley brings emotional depth to the damaged and complex character of Jason ‘JD’ Dean. He commands the stage, with mesmerising vocals and finely manages the unravelling of his character with intensity and skill.

The three Heathers are perfectly cast and smash it with confidence and ease. Esme Bowdler’s portrayal of Heather Chandler is stand out, she captures the essence of her character with every little eye rolling detail.

Dangerously and savagely funny and absolutely killing it, with well-deserved standing ovations at the Oxford Playhouse, Heathers the Musical is a must see!

Rating: 5/5

Heathers is at the Oxford Playhouse in Oxford from Tuesday 22nd October to Saturday 26th October 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit: www.oxfordplayhouse.com or call the box office on 01865 305305, The Oxford Playhouse, 11-12 Beaumont Street, Oxford, OX1 2LW