[Ad-gifted] Last night was the opening night of Heathers The Musical at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent and what a night it was!
Kevin Murphy and Laurence O Keefe‘s award-winning black comedy musical is an adaptation of the 1989 teen cult-classic movie, Heathers consisted of non-stop catchy music all night long.
The show opens at Westerberg High with the cast belting out to a powerful rendition of Beautiful. We soon see Veronica Sawyer (played by Jenna Innes ) who is the unpopular girl trying hard to navigate through high school craving to be apart of the popular crowd. The door opens up for her to join Heathers, made up of trio Heather Chandler (played by Verity Thompson), Heather Duke (played by Elise Zavou) and Heather Macnamara (played by Billie Bowman) who are stunning but wicked. But as they say, “be careful what you wish for” as she soon needs to leave her old ways and her unpopular best friend Martha (played by Kingsley Morton).
Things get even more complicated when she meets and falls for mysterious teen rebel Jason ‘J.D’ Dean (played by Jacob Fowler) who challenges her about life and the value of it. What will become of the students of Westerberg High?
What Did I think of It?
Trigger warning, the show features issues such as teen suicide, bullying, bulimia and sexual assault hence if these cause some discomfort then the show is not for you. That being said, what an entertaining performance it was! From the moment it started to the very end… it was just non-stop action, singing and entertainment.
I love how talented the casts are, each of them had powerful vocals and could easily belt out tune after tune and the crowd could feel their contagious energy through out the night. My favourite performances of the night were Candy Store, Our Love is God and My Dead Gay Son performed by Conor McFarlane (who plays Ram’s Dad/Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper) as well as Jay Bryce (who plays Kurt’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan and Resident Director).
The plot for the 80s themed musical is based on Daniel Water’s film Heathers staring Christian Slater, Winona Ryder, Shannen Doherty, Kim Walker and Lisanne Falk with some slight deviations. Older audiences would remember watching the film in their teens and later the musical. Surprisingly there were a lot of younger crowd at the show, this could be mainly due to Heather‘s popularity on Tik Tok.
Kudos to all cast members who were brilliant! The chemistry between Jacob and Jenna is clearly evident and they both are such talented singers as well. The trio that make up Heathers ie Verity, Elise and Billie truly portray their dark and twisted character to the highest level. Gary Lloyd‘s stunning choreography is showcased in their dance routines. The usage of the stage props which slide and rotate around to create different scenes is seamless as the smart use of lightings, which glorified the moody scenes.
I also enjoyed the stage bond between Kurt (played by Alex Woodward) and Ram (played by Morgan Jackson), especially their slow motion ‘Matrix’ styled fight scene with Jacob. They also got the crowd cheering during the Second Act when they kept making their appearance dressed just in their pants.
Although the show did make me uncomfortable at times, credit goes to the talented cast for making the show brilliant. It was no surprise that the show ended with a much deserved standing ovation for the tireless cast who gave it their all. Expect nothing but great music, crazy 80s fashion sense, bucket loads of talent, satirical wit and unlimited energy when you watch Heathers the Musical.
Cast Details
Jenna Innes – Veronica Sawyer
Jacob Fowler – Jason ‘J.D’ Dean
Verity Thompson – Heather Chandler
Elise Zavou – Heather Duke
Billie Bowman – Heather Macnamara
Kingsley Morton – Martha Dunnstock
Alex Woodward – Kurt Kelly
Morgan Jackson – Ram Sweeney
Katie Paine – Ms Fleming
Jay Bryce – Kurt’s Dad/Big-Bud/Principal
Conor McFarlane – Ram’s Dad/Veronica’s Dad/Coach
Tom Dickerson – Beleaguered Geek
Lizzie Emery – Midwestern Surfer Punk
Eliza Bowden – New Wave Party Girl
Eleanor Walsh – Drama Club Drama Queen
Summer Priest – Young Republicanette
Maeve Byrne – Stoner Chick
Liam Dean – Hipster Dork
Markus Sodergren – Preppy Stud
Creatives
Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe Book, Music & Lyrics
Andy Fickman Director
Gary Lloyd Choreographer & Associate Director
David Shields Designer
Ben Cracknell Lightning Designer
Dan Samson Sound Designer
Will Joy Musical Director
Johnny Palmer Costume Supervisor
Tom Slade Music Director
Christopher Parkinson Assistant Choreographer
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £13 to £56. The show is suitable for children aged 14+.
How do I book tickets to watch Heathers The Musical?
Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7615 or by visiting ATG’s website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will run until Saturday, 15 April 2023. The shows will be performed at 7.30pm daily with matinee shows at 2.30pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.
Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?
Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649
About Regent Theatre
The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.
Tips / Information
- Masks and Covid passes are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment
- Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park is the closest and it closes at 11.30pm while the Pottery Centre carpark charges a fixed rate of £1.50 (after 6pm) and this carpark closes at 12am (midnight)
- Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
- There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
- There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
- Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
- Accessible toilets are available
You may also want to read this:
Titanic The Musical is coming To The Regent Theatre
Review: David Walliams’s Demon Dentist at The Regent Theatre
Review: Saturday Night Fever at The Regent Theatre
Review: Blood Brothers at The Regent Theatre
Photo Credit: Regent Theatre/Pamela Raith Photography
* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.
22 comments
This certainly sounds like a great show from the powerful performances to the hardhitting topics that arise during the show. I always think these either give those an insight in what others are going through, or may help someone going through something
I agree, sometimes movies and theatre performance help us in life
This looks like a great show. Thank you for the tips and information about the theater. It makes it easier for us to visit.
You are welcome Beth, always glad to be of help
This looks like so much fun. I love high-energy shows!
Agree, we were kept on our toes all through the show
I want to watch it!!! This seems like an awesome show! I love musicals and wouldn’t miss one if I could.
So glad to hear that Karen
Love the review of this grand musical at Regent theatre. I cherish watching live performances at theatres.
I agree, nothing like seeing a show being performed live, the entertainment, suspense and excitement is just thrilling
One more beautiful theater trip reviewed and reflected upon.
How frequently do you go to the theater, GRL?
Thank you so much, we are so lucky to live close to so many theatres’ hence try to head to as many shows as we can
Wow, this review of “Heathers: The Musical” at the Regent Theatre really captures the essence of the show’s edgy and captivating nature. The writer’s attention to detail makes me want to see it for myself!
Thank you so much for your kind words, it was a fantastic show and one worth watching
Oh wow this sounds like a really lovely show! I have heard of Heathers, but have not seen it before, so would love to check out this play!
Hope you do, it is an entertaining and interesting show to watch
I saw this show in London quite a few years back and loved it. But I do really enjoy the movie so I knew what to expect x
So glad to hear that Rhian, lots of people enjoyed the show and the cast was superb
You have provided us with a lot of useful information and tips about the theater. I appreciate it.
You are welcome Zab, it is a good entertaining show
Heathers the Musical, Probably the worst thing I have ever been to see! Terribly inaccurate to the movie, random comedy bits which was weird, political gay messages, there were children in the audience and scenes of hanging and suicide talk. Good singing voices however awfully written songs that didn’t make sense or even rhyme, singing what they were saying in conversation which was cringey. Characters dying then coming back to life and being a presence throughout the rest of the show. The story was heavily lost and my partner and I couldn’t follow nor could we wait for it to end. Many people in the audience cheers and clapped random things and we found ourselves thinking, are they watching the same thing as us. Moments where everything would stop and characters would engage with the audience for more trying to be funny movements that didn’t work.
Hello Chris, thank you for your comments and opinion. I do understand some parts were disturbing but as a whole the show has kept to its theme hence us stating the trigger warnings in the blog post to warm others who might head to the show. The cast was super talented and a lot of people did enjoy the entertainment value of the show.