Heathers The Musical at Theatre Royal Nottingham Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Catherine Brown
Heathers The Musical is captivating audiences at the Theatre Royal Nottingham from the 8th to 12th September. Based on the film by Daniel Waters starring Winona Rider and Christian Slater, the stage show is brilliantly directed by Andy Fickman with choreography by Gary Lloyd. A fantastic combination of drama, murder and musical talent, along with lots of comedy and emotional moments.
The students of Westburgh High School are an unpleasant bunch, but especially the three Heathers (Chandler, Duke and McNamara). Spoilt bullies who seem to take pleasure in other people’s misery. Veronica Sawyer (Gerardine Sacdalan) realises that the only way to survive the countdown to university is to befriend them, using her skills in forgery as a bribe. It doesn’t take long before they force her to be nasty to her only genuine friend Martha Dunnstock nicknamed ‘Dumptruck’ (a superb professional debut from Sophie Manners).
Feeling guilty about her actions, Veronica confides in new boy Jason ‘JD’ Dean, one of the few people not taken in by the Heathers manipulation. He encourages Veronica to fight back and an unintentional death occurs. The fallout of what the school staff and pupils believe to be is a suicide annoys both Veronica and JD. Tensions mount even more when Veronica is harassed by Jocks Kurt and Ram (played hilariously by Marku Sodergren and Beau Jackson). A ripple affect follows where veronica doesn’t know who to trust or what to do.
Issues such as bullying, sexuality and suicide are dealt with in mixed ways which creates a funny but also thought-provoking show. The development of the relationship between Veronica and JD, their reliance on each other versus their moral compass, was played out fantastically by both actors. It is a challenge to decide if you love or hate them because of their actions.
The three Heathers (Liberty Stotter, Jessica Ibadin and Lou Henry) feel like the original mean girls. The actresses work brilliantly in sync while each having their own strong personalities. The subtle movements and clever costume changes mean the audience is captivated from start to finish. One of the biggest laughs of the night was for the duo of John Gurdian and Reuben Browne, playing Ram and Kurt’s dads, singing the lyrics ‘I love my dead gay son’. All of the cast have strong voices but the standout for me was Gerardine and how she conveyed Veronica’s emotions through her singing.
Heathers The Musical is at the Theatre Royal from 8th – 12th September 2026 before continuing to tour the country. This performance has a total running time of 2 hours 30 minutes, including interval, and has an age guidance of 14+. The merchandise stand was very popular and included ‘Freeze your brain’ Heathers branded slushie cups.
Tickets cost from £22 and can be purchased at Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham or call the box office on 0115 989 5555. There are reductions for members, under 26s and groups of 10+
Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Theatre Square, Nottingham NG1 5ND
Rating: 5/5
https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/heathers-the-musical-yvcl