Heathers The Musical is bringing menacing mean girls and murderous misfits to Milton Keynes Theatre this month.
Based on an 80s film that became a cult classic, this high-octane rock musical will reveal the sensational experiences of unassuming high-school student Veronica Sawyer.
Veronica is trying to survive her senior year at Westerberg High, where popularity is a matter of life and death. When she is unexpectedly welcomed into the inner circle of the ‘Heathers’, a trio of beautiful girls who rule the school, she finds herself at the top of the social hierarchy. Unfortunately, the Heathers are cartoonishly cruel, so Veronica rejects their evil regime.
Enter JD, a mysterious rebel, and cue Veronica developing a major crush. Somehow, she gets swept up in her dangerous new boyfriend’s plan to put the Heathers in their place – six feet under. Veronica is about to learn a powerful lesson. It might kill to be a nobody, but it is murder to be a somebody!
Heathers has a fanbase subculture that rivals that of The Rocky Horror Show. Hardcore fans – who are known as ‘Corn Nuts’ – attend performances dressed in pleated miniskirts and structured blazers, armed with colourful hair scrunchies.
Those devotees will be going nuts to know that the show is back with a bang following two record-breaking West End seasons and two previous UK tours. Regular theatregoers can expect to be entertained by its diabolically dark comedy and timeless, twisted plot. Indeed, although the film, which starred Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, was written in the 1980s, the subject matter covered – bullying, school violence, sexual assault and suicide – is just as relevant today.
This touring production is directed by Andy Fickman. It features choreography by Gary Lloyd, design by David Shields, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Dan Samson and musical direction by Will Joy.
The class of 2024 includes Jenna Innes (Les Misérables) as Veronica Sawyer and Keelan McAuley (Clueless, Grease) as Jason ‘JD’ Dean.
Starring as the titular ‘Heathers’ are Esme Bowdler (ITV’s Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream finalist) as Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky (making her professional debut) as Heather Duke and Daisy Twells (Heathers) as Heather McNamara.
The 2024 register is completed by Lucy Sinclair, Amy Miles, Iván Fernández González, Jason Battersby, Conor McFarlane, Alexander Service, Ben Fenwick, Lewis Asquith, Bradly Doko, Jasmine Cole, Kelly Sweeney, Eliza Bowden, May Tether and Madeleine Hargrave.
Raid your wardrobe and change your name to Heather. Heathers The Musical promises to be one class production that you can’t afford to skip.
Running time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval.
Age guidance: 14+
This production contains haze, loud noises (including gunshots), flashing lights and strobe, strong language and mature themes (including murder, suicide, sexual violence and reference to eating disorders).
*Production photography by Pamela Raith.
Heathers The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 September 2024. The UK tour continues until 23 November 2024.
This preview is also featured on Total MK.
Update 11 September 2024: Read my review of Heathers The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre.
Georgina Butler is an editor, a dance writer and a ballet teacher.
