Dear Diary: Heathers at the Royal Concert Hall was just SO very!

Written by Zöe Urwin

The stage production of the quirky cult classic brings a whole new dimension to Heathers, creepy and comedic the show bursts with life (and death) onto the stage.

“Knee socks, pleated skirts and blazers abounded…”

Heathers is a story that brings together all the best elements of teenage life: angst, lust, mean girls and, of course, murder. The audience was packed full of fans of the movie, many resplendent in costumes paying tribute to the iconic look of the Heathers. Knee socks, pleated skirts and blazers abounded and from the opening number the audience was enraptured as the beloved movie took to the stage. Even though I think most of us knew what was coming next the production was riddled with perfectly balanced tension that kept you on the edge of your seat. Every member of the cast brought undeniable energy to the flawlessly choreographed musical numbers, lighting up this delightfully disturbing dark comedy.

Playing the lead Gerardine Sacdalan animates the enigmatic Veronica Sawyer, perfectly dancing the line between her murderous acts and her vulnerability. Sacdalan is masterful in song, going from soaring highs to sweet, hushed tones with apparent ease and obvious skill. Veronica is a character who shows just how far teenage love, angst and naivety can take a person if they let it, with devastating consequences for her fellow classmates at Westerburg High School. After becoming embroiled with the unhinged, elusive Jason ‘JD’ Dean (played by Louis Hearsey) Veronica finds herself at the centre of an epidemic of teenage suicides, faked to cover up JD’s murders of his school peers.

“Liberty Stottor, Jessica Ibadin and Lou Henry embody the Heathers, in all their vicious, vein, fabulous beauty and ferocity.”

It would be remiss to talk about Heathers without talking about Heather, Heather and Heather. Liberty Stottor, Jessica Ibadin and Lou Henry embody the Heathers, in all their vicious, vein, fabulous beauty and ferocity. Liberty Stottor as the leader of the clique, the savagely mean Heather Chandler, particularly stands out, shining in the fantastically catchy ‘Candy Store’ and bringing constant comedic relief despite her role largely occurring after her on-stage death. Following Veronica around in a red robe and ruby slippers after her murder, the snipey, witty quips just keep coming from Chandler and bring much needed comedic relief to some of the darker scenes in the production.

What should also be highlighted is the fantastic set work that enabled this production to seamlessly switch between high school, homes, cow fields and cemeteries. The moving parts of the set and elevated balcony were so cleverly designed and show what can be achieved with relatively minor set changes between scenes. Also fantastic was the costuming, the Heathers were immediately recognisable and Heather Duke’s quick-change transformation from green clad follower to red dressed royalty as the new leader of the Heathers in front of the audiences’ eyes was a standout moment.

“Dizzying musical numbers, exceptional comedic timing and energetic dance routines come together to make this musical unforgettable, in all of its grotesque, hilarious glory.”

Heathers covers some dark and important topics but is a pertinent reminder of how serious topics can be explored through parody and morbid humour. The play, based in the late 1980s, shows the homophobia of American society at this time, and parodies people’s reactions to LGBTQ+ people through the funniest number in the show, ‘My Dead Gay Son’. Heathers leans perfectly into the offbeat comedy and bizarreness of the source material, drawing the audience into a world that is at once recognisable yet distinctly off-putting and strange. Dizzying musical numbers, exceptional comedic timing and energetic dance routines come together to make this musical unforgettable, in all of its grotesque, hilarious glory.

If you’re in Nottingham, Heathers is absolutely a must see and you can find your tickets here! Tickets are getting low so act quickly to grab your seat at this delightfully dark musical.

All content is original to writer, Zöe Urwin. Edited by Katie Barr.

In-article images credited to Pamela Raith. No changes were made to these images.

Featured Image credited to Pamela Raith. No changes were made to this image.

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