Review: HEATHERS at The ORCHARD THEATRE, DARTFORD


Credit: Pamela Raith


Tickets: Paid for / Gifted

Date: 23rd May 2023 

Seat: F1 (Stalls)

Star Rating: 5

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUco8XjgTvg


Heathers is not just any musical; it is a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of a devoted fan base. This show has amassed a cult following over the years, with audiences dressing up in their best 80's garb and cheering along with iconic lines. And it’s no surprise why – this show has everything from catchy tunes to unbelievable plot twists that keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

The performances in Heathers are exceptional, with each member of the cast bringing their own unique energy to the show. Jenna Innes, in particular, delivers a standout performance as the conflicted Veronica Sawyer, showcasing both her impressive vocal range and her dramatic acting chops. 

Verity Thompson as Heather Chandler, the ‘mythic bitch’ herself, was every inch the Heather you would want; part comedian, part bully, all queen. When Elise Zavou took the stage as Heather Duke, she fully embodied the character's complex personality and power-hungry nature, and her performance of "Never Shut Up Again" was a true showstopper. Billie Bowman was Heather McNamara, and she perfectly showed Heather Mac’s vulnerable side and her confusion, especially during “Lifeboat”. Rounding off the principal cast was Tom Dickerson as JD. He effectively captured the dark charisma and brooding nature of the character, drawing the audience into JD's troubled psyche. His portrayal balanced JD's charm and manipulative tendencies with a hint of vulnerability, creating a complex and multi-dimensional character.

But it’s not just the leads who shine (a light) in this production; the ensemble is equally impressive, filling the stage with energy and enthusiasm.

Credit: Pamela Raith


The songs in Heathers are some of the catchiest and most memorable in recent memory. From the opening number “Beautiful” to the show-stopping “Seventeen,” each song is expertly crafted to showcase the show’s razor-sharp wit and biting satire. “Dead Girl Walking” is a particular favourite of mine, with its infectious melody and clever lyrics perfectly capturing the spirit of the show. And “Dead Gay Son” is as uplifting as it is hilarious. 

What really makes Heathers so beloved is its ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. This show tackles heavy themes such as suicide, mental illness, and bullying, but it does so in a way that is both poignant and relatable – and funny. It’s a show that speaks to the outsider in all of us, and it does so with an authenticity and sincerity that makes this a must-see. With a wink, a nod, and a deliciously dark sense of humour, Heathers invites you to embrace your inner Veronica and break free from the chains of conformity. 

So, grab your scrunchies, dust off your croquet mallets, and get ready for a night of unforgettable musical madness. Heathers is waiting to sweep you off your feet and into a world where rebellion reigns supreme and the power of individuality shines bright. 

Prepare to be beautifully bewitched by the dark charm of Heathers; it’s a ‘big fun’ extravaganza.

Credit: Pamela Raith

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: I WISH MY LIFE WERE LIKE A MUSICAL

Image
  Photo credit: Rod Penn Tickets: Gifted Date: 31st August 2023  Seat: H16  Rating: 5 Stars Who among us hasn't wistfully wished our lives were like a musical when we're sitting in a theatre, gazing up at the stage? I know I have, and I'm pretty sure I can't be the only one, otherwise  I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical  wouldn't exist.  It's a good thing it does.  Written by Alexander S. Bermange (who also appears on stage playing the piano – the only instrument used throughout across 16 songs in a rapid 70-minute runtime) and directed and choreographed by Matthew Parker, this short show is an ode not just to musicals, but to those who love them, from excited theatregoer to 'super fan', as well as the performers themselves.  I Wish My Life Were Like A Musical  starts as it means to go on, with the cast of Jennifer Caldwell, Julie Yammanee, Sev Keoshgerian, and Rhidian Marc donning glitzy gold waistcoats and high-kicking across the stage. Thi...
Read more

Review: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG at The Hawth, Crawley

Image
  Date: 20th August 2024 Seat: R15 Tickets: Gifted Rating: 4 Stars  Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is something we’ve all grown up with; it’s just always been there, reliable and faithful as the car itself, so what would it be like on stage? Could it be just as heart-warming and nostalgia-inducing? The answer is yes – the show is full of charm, energy, and just the right amount of nostalgia. If you love the film, you’ll love the show; there are even some extra song and dance numbers thrown in.  One of the things that really makes a show like Chitty , much like the film itself, is the cast, and this cast is an exceptional one. Adam Garcia shone as Caractacus Potts, bringing warmth and charisma to the role, and his performance of “Hushabye Mountain” was beautifully heartfelt, and his playful banter with Ellie Nunn’s Truly Scrumptious was spot-on. She’s a modern-day Truly, trousers and all, and it works for a modern-day audience without taking away anything that makes the characte...
Read more

Review: BRONCO BILLY at The Charing Cross Theatre, London

Image
Photo credit: The Other Richard Date: 31st January 2024 Seat: M6 (Stalls) Tickets: Gifted Rating: 3 Stars  Adapting older movies into musicals seems to be a trend these days, some with better results than others, and Bronco Billy , with a book by Dennis Hackin and music and lyrics by Chip Rosenbloom and John Torres (with additional lyrics by Michele Brourman), is one of the better ones – if anything, it’s improved the film and made it a lot more enjoyable for everyone, which is something every audience member is sure to appreciate.  The main word that can be used to describe Bronco Billy is fun. It’s wild and wacky and loud and bright, and there are some wonderful characters and some lovely songs, but really when you leave, it’s the fun you’ve had that stays with you, and that’s no bad thing – if you’re feeling a bit down because January lasted for sixty billion months and you need a quick pick-me-up, Bronco Billy might just do the trick.  The story is about a travellin...
Read more