Heathers the Musical at The Arts at Marble Arch and on tour – review

Central London has a brand new theatre in town, The Arts at Marble Arch, which has opened with cult classic Heathers the Musical for a 12-week run, once again directed by Andy Fickman. Based on the 80s movie by Daniel Waters, the stage version follows a 2018 TV adaptation and has previously been seen a number of times in the West End and across the country.

Welcome to Westerberg High, where the popular mean girls reign supreme under queen bee Heather Chandler (Liberty Stottor) and her sidekicks Heather Duke (Jessica Ibadin) and Heather McNamara (Lou Henry). Chandler’s brainy bestie Veronica Sawyer (Gerardine Sacdalan), eventually joins the clique. With wardrobe by Scott Sheady, their iconic look is bold primary colours with smart tailored jackets, short kilted skirts, and over-the-knee socks.

Unhinged school heartthrob Jason “JD” Dean (Louis Hearsey) and the innocent Veronica become high school sweethearts, although less emphasis on the “sweet” in this instance. Dean’s mum has died, leaving him with a dad (John Gurdian) who is quite an unsavoury character. Following the school Homecoming Party, Veronica makes her frenemy Heather Chandler a “hangover cure” drink, but JD switches it with a cup of drain cleaner, leading to her untimely demise.

Heather had been reading Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, the writer’s semi-autobiographical novel centred around her depression and suicide attempts. With that in mind, Veronica and JD forge a suicide note from queen bee Heather to save themselves from a murder charge.

The chemistry between Sacdalan and Hearsey is sizzling, often speaking in close proximity to each other’s lips, sharing passionate kisses, and even a scene where it’s Veronica’s “first time”, having sneaked into JD’s bedroom, sees her reaching a musical crescendo as she sings “Dead Girl Walking”. Entertaining and a definite “ooh” moment.

Heathers the Musical has stood the test of time in an age where young people are increasingly lost in screen time and social media. People still “sl*t shame”, but instead it’s now via a group chat or a screenshot gone viral.

“The Me Inside of Me” is a hilarious song celebrating the impact Heather C had on her schoolmates, proclaiming she lives on through them all: “she’s the dove that sings outside my window“. This song perfectly highlights that in death, villains can become martyrs as their admirers seek to preserve their status.

Although quite simple, David Shields’ scenic design is successful in showcasing high school life – teen bedrooms with posters on the walls, and the school corridors lined with lockers. My favourite set is Kurt Kelly (Markus Sodergren) and Ram Sweeney’s (Bean Jackson) funeral, complete with church pews, giving the company a chance to belt out a catchy number.

It’s a talented cast with credible performances, portraying the lows of being a troubled teenager and all that entails, as well as how relationships (both platonic or romantic) can bring out the best and the worst in us. Henry’s rendition of “Lifeboat“ tugs at the heartstrings in a harrowing solo where her life is depicted as a sinking ship as she deals with her depression and suicidal thoughts.

There’s a questionable scene where the remaining Heathers prank-call Veronica to meet them and ultimately, to save themselves from date rape, they put Veronica in the line of fire instead. As funny as the musical is, this scene feels too uncomfortable and vile. However, the double act of Kurt (Sodergren) and Ram (Jackson), despite this problematic scene, provides fantastic comedy throughout, and some of the standout comedy moments are theirs to own.

Darkly funny with a talented cast to boot, this cult classic will have you laughing when you shouldn’t and reflecting on your teenage years and the emotional rollercoaster of those raging hormones and the complexities of adolescent friendships.