‘I’m a Dead Girl Walking…’ Heathers the Musical, The Other Palace, London. 23.06.2018

Now this may come as a shock to some, but when I purchased my ticket to see Heathers the Musical, I had no idea what I was getting myself into – only that tickets were going to go fast and they did! I was lucky to have got one of the cheaper seats but my view was spot on in Row B! I was ready and seated to be brought into the world of Heathers – I was NOT disappointed.

Having had a great response from its Workshop last year, Heather the Musical has finally been given a chance to perform fully fledged.  Based on the 1980s cult classic film of the same name, it tells the tale of Veronika Sawyer who manages to befriend the popular girls in school, The Heathers. She quickly realises that being under their wing isn’t what its cut up to be and in discovering stumbles across JD the new boy in town with a mysterious past. Falling for him, he starts to help her teach the Heathers a lesson – in doing so teaches Veronica one also. This production has been rebooted following its off Broadway productions with new songs and a few rewrites, it is amazing how a show that is based on an 80s film can still reflect 2018. Everyone can relate to his story one way or another, especially during our school days.

Having not known anything about this musical, I fell in love with how fun and energetic this show is. Andy Fickman ensures his directing abilities is shown to its full potential within the show, making sure every message and emotion is displayed throughout. I fell in love with the soundtrack, to the point that it didn’t take long for me to download it straight onto my phone. From the master minds of Kevin Murphy and Laurence O’Keefe -who also wrote the songs for Legally Blonde, they have out done themselves with such a memorable soundtrack that without doubt you will be singing on leaving the venue  you. Personal favourites have to be ‘Fight for Me’ and ‘Seventeen.’ the two newest additions to the soundtrack were ‘You’re Welcome’ replacing ‘Blue’ and ‘Never Shut Up Again’ which Heather Duke sings allowing her to bring out a little bit more personality to this role. It was great to see something fresh and new, which worked well for the story.

For a great musical, it was great to a smaller cast perform with such energy:

Veronica Sawyer – Carrie Hope Fletcher

Heather Chandler – Jodie Steele

Heather Duke – T’shan Williams

Heather McNamara – Sophie Issacs

Jason ‘J.D’ Dean – Jamie Muscato

Martha Dunnstock – Jenny O’Leary

Ram Sweeney – Dominic Andersen

Kurt Kelly – Christopher Chung

Veronica’s Mom/Ms Fleming – Rebecca Lock

Ram’s Dad/Big Bud/Coach Ripper – Edward Baruwa

Kurt’s Dad/Venonica’s Dad/Prinicpal Gown – Jon Boydon

Beleaguered Geek – Alex James-Hatton

Stoner Chick – Charlotte Jaconelli

New Wave Girl- Lauren Drew

Preppy Stud – Sergio Pasquariello

Young Republicanette – Oliver Moore

Now it wouldn’t be a show without the 3 Heathers, played by Jodie Steele, T’Shan Willams, and Sophie Issacs all of whom were loved as soon as they made their entrance! Sophie had the McNamara innocence and comedy perfect. T’Shan had the voice and attitude for Duke, especially during the new number ‘Never Shut Up Again.’ Jodie Steele, is Heather Chandler from the persona to the bitchiness her ‘Candy Store’ was so much fun to watch. They had a lot to live up to all three, they did not disappoint and it was clearly displayed from the audiences reaction.

When the announcement of Heathers came to light along with the first official casting, there was so much controversy. Well Carrie Hope Fletcher proved everyone wrong and stole the show with her Veronica Sawyer, it was by far the best role I have ever seen her play! Loved her character, comic timing and her voice…suited every song!! She really took on the role and made it her own. Her relationship with JD was true and heartfelt, although JD is one twisted guy…played by Jamie Muscato beautifully. I can’t not love him perform in any role he does, he does it with such passion and literally embeds himself within the role. His voice is also a personal highlight when ever he sings, they were both mesmerizing to watch during their Duet ‘Seventeen.’

Every member of the cast had their role to play, creating each and every character that you would expect to see in a classic American High School show. I can’t leave this blog without mentioning Jenny O’Leary, whose ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’ was beautifully sung. You just love watching each role on stage and laughing at all their interactions even with the audience during ‘Shine’ performed Ms Fleming, Rebecca Lock – who knows how to work the crowd!

I came into this show not knowing what to expect, but came away in love and gutted to know that the show is completely sold out for the full run at the Other Palace. There are chances to win the Lottery however – believe me I am trying! It is however deemed as a working progress production, so who knows we may see its name in lights on a West End Stage.

If you are lucky to see this production, I am sure you will love it. The soundtrack is now a regular on my playlist, if you want to know more information about how to enter the lottery go here.