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Sarah Monaghan
4 min read

REVIEW - HEATHERS THE MUSICAL | STORYHOUSE CHESTER | 17/09/2024


Heathers The Musical Artwork

All About Theatre Five Star Review

Heathers the Musical has garnered a cult following since its inception, much like the 1989 film it’s based on. With music, lyrics, and a book by Laurence O’Keefe and Kevin Murphy, this darkly comedic, high-energy musical has become a staple of the contemporary stage, captivating audiences with its twisted take on high school life. Having already enjoyed record-breaking runs in London’s West End and multiple tours, the musical continues to dazzle on its 2024 tour, now stopping at Storyhouse Chester.


The Cast of Heathers The Musical performing live on stage. There are 15 actors in total, and they are all stood in front of Westerberg High. All actors are stood in a long with their fists in the air.

The musical tells the story of Veronica Sawyer, a high school student who longs to break free from her status as an outcast. Everything changes when she falls into the orbit of the Heathers—three popular girls who rule Westerberg High with an iron fist. However, Veronica soon becomes disillusioned with their cruelty, and her life takes a darker turn after she meets the enigmatic J.D., whose twisted worldview pushes her to question everything about power, popularity, and morality.

From its zany premise to its shocking twists, Heathers expertly blends comedy with darker social commentary. It walks a fine line, addressing bullying, teen suicide, and the pressure to conform in ways that are both thought-provoking and irreverent. The show’s unique ability to inject humour into sensitive subjects is what sets it apart, making it a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls.


Amy Miles and Jenna Innes performing in the 2024 touring production of Heathers the Musical. Amy is on the left. Amy is playing Martha Dunnstock. She is a white woman with long brown wavy hair. She is wearing pink glasses, a pink pony hoodie, pink bum bag, pink socks and pink shoes. She is holding a blue lunch tray and talking to Jenna. Jenna is playing Veronica Sawyer. Jenna is a white woman with mid-length brown hair. She is wearing a scarf, blue denim jacket and a patterned green and brown dress. Behind them, are students and teachers walking to class.

David Shields’ dynamic set design places Westerberg High front and centre, transforming the stage into a playground of teenage angst and rebellion. Whether it’s the gaudy high school hallways or the haunting cemetery scenes, every backdrop is vibrant and detailed, immersing the audience in Veronica’s world. Ben Cracknell's lighting design is masterful, particularly during the show's more intense sequences, with strobe effects and dark, atmospheric hues perfectly matching the story's shifting tones.

Costumes, especially the iconic colour-coded outfits of the Heathers, evoke the 1980s high school aesthetic with a modern twist. Heather Chandler’s red, Heather Duke’s green, and Heather McNamara’s yellow ensembles are not just outfits but extensions of their characters, visually capturing their influence over the school.


Sedona Sky, Esme Bowdler and Daisy Twells performing in the 2024 touring production of Heathers the Musical. Sedona is playing Heather Duke; Esme Bowdler is playing Heather Chandler and Daisy Twells is playing Heather McNamara. Sedona is on the left, she is wearing a green blazer, a dark grey checked skirt, and knee-high socks. Sedona is a Black woman with long curly black hair. Esme Bowdler is in the middle; she is wearing a red blazer and a red checked skirt and knee-high socks. Esme is a white woman with wavy long blonde hair. Daisy Twells is on the right. She is wearing a yellow blazer, yellowed checked skirt and yellow knee-high socks. Daisy is a white woman with long blonde hair which is tied up. They are standing in a triangle formation. Sedona is being lit by a green spotlight, Esme is lit up by a red spotlight and Daisy is lit up by a yellow spotlight.

The live band provides an unforgettable soundtrack, blending rock and pop influences into the show’s catchy musical numbers. Songs like "Candy Store," "Dead Girl Walking," and "Seventeen" are energetic and full of punch, while haunting ballads like "Kindergarten Boyfriend" give the story a raw emotional core.

Gary Lloyd’s choreography is a standout feature in this production, expertly blending 80s nostalgia with modern, sharp movements. The dance routines are slick, well-executed, and often full of attitude, perfectly capturing the tone of the show. The stylized sequences in numbers like "Candy Store" and "Fight for Me" add layers of humor and satire, while moments like "Big Fun" showcase the cast's impeccable timing and energy. The choreography is never excessive, instead emphasizing key emotional beats and amplifying the dark humor that runs throughout the show.


The 2024 touring Cast of Heathers The Musical performing on stage. They are singing in front of Westerberg high school. The three Heathers are standing on a balcony on the school. Below them there are 13 other cast members. In the centre is Veronica, played by Jenna Innes. She is wearing a blue blazer and blue knee-high socks. She has her fist in the air. Beside her are the ensemble, they are spread around the stage and are all holding blue lunch trays.

The cast is absolutely outstanding. Jenna Innes, as Veronica Sawyer, delivers a knockout performance, effortlessly navigating the character's journey from insecure outsider to someone grappling with the darker consequences of her choices. Innes' powerful vocals, especially in "Dead Girl Walking" and "I Say No," bring depth to Veronica’s internal struggle, making her both relatable and compelling.

Keelan McAuley, as J.D., is the perfect balance of charm and menace. His chemistry with Innes is palpable, making their scenes together brimming with tension and twisted romance. McAuley's rendition of "Freeze Your Brain" is chilling in its execution, setting the tone for J.D.’s increasingly dangerous actions.

The Heathers—Esme Bowdler (Heather Chandler), Sedona Sky (Heather Duke), and Daisy Twells (Heather McNamara)—are sensational in their roles, each bringing their own flair to their respective characters. Bowdler’s Heather Chandler oozes arrogance and command, Sky’s Duke simmers with ambition, and Twells’ McNamara provides surprising vulnerability in her solo, "Lifeboat."

Special mention goes to Amy Miles as Martha Dunnstock. Her rendition of "Kindergarten Boyfriend" is heart-wrenching, adding a tender layer of emotional weight to the show. And let’s not forget the comedic brilliance of Iván Fernández González and Jason Battersby as Kurt and Ram, who bring the house down with laugh-out-loud moments in the most unexpected ways.


Keelan McAuley and Jenna Innes performing in the 2024 touring production of Heathers the Musical. Keelan is playing Jason 'J.D.' Dean. Keelan is a white man with short brown hair. He is wearing a blond long coat and is looking directly at Jenna. They are embracing and singing to each other. Jenna is playing Veronica Sawyer. Jenna is a white woman with mid-length brown hair. She is wearing a blue blazer and a short grey shirt.

Heathers the Musical is a triumph. It’s a darkly hilarious, high-octane show that takes its audience on a wild, emotional ride. With sharp wit, killer choreography, and an unforgettable score, this production manages to be both a wickedly fun satire of high school life and a poignant commentary on the pressures faced by young people. The cast delivers impeccable performances, and the creative team’s attention to detail ensures the show looks as good as it sounds. Grab your croquet mallets and get ready to have a very good time at Westerberg High!


This is one high school reunion you won’t want to miss.


Heathers the Musical is at Storyhouse Chester until Saturday 21st September 2024, you can purchase tickets by clicking on the button below.





If you would like more information about the show click the button below for the show's official website.





Photo Credit - Pamela Raith


*Our tickets for this show were kindly gifted in exchange for an honest review





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