Dear Diary, I love love love Heathers the Musical. And guess what?! Its here at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury this week. This classic 90’s film is now a fabulous stage show produced by Bill Kenwright and Paul Taylor-Mills. Be warned, some may find its subject contents unsettling. It’s like a twisted version of Grease; high school at its darkest. If you’re on board with that, then come into my candy store.
Set in high school, Westerberg High, geeky Veronica dreams of being popular. No, scratch that. She dreams of not being bullied every day. The most popular girls in high school are the Heathers. Veronica is adopted by the Heathers and made over into a ‘Heather’ and has to pay the price of kindness to be popular. Veronica falls for a new boy in school, he shows her how to get revenge on anyone who upsets her. However, if you thought the Heathers were cruel, you ain’t seen nothing yet. JD’s love for Veronica is intense. It’s overwhelming. He is damaged and doesn’t care who lives or dies as long as he has her love. It’s hard being seventeen.
Veronica is played by Jenna Innes and is stunning in the role. Jenna delivers an air of innocence despite the situations poor Veronica finds herself in and we are secretly urging her to find happiness. Veronica’s boyfriend, JD, is played by Jacob Fowler who in his long trench coat feels mysterious and exciting. Jacob has a fantastic range and his duets with Jenna are beautiful as Jenna has the most powerfully gorgeous voice.
The Heathers are stunning and own the stage. Verity Thompson is Heather Chandler, the lead Heather. Verity graduated in 2022 but you would not know she is new to this; she was born to play this role. Verity delivers bitch and bestie in the same breath. I love how she shut up the other Heathers to finish her solo. Elise Zavou plays Heather Duke and Billie Bowman plays Heather McNamara and each Heather has her place, yes there is a hierarchy even with the Heathers. Billie is also the dance captain and what a fabulous job she has done with this wonderful group of people. Kurt is played by Alex Woodward and Ram is played by Morgan Jackson. They are the jocks, and they only think about getting laid and football. Alex and Morgan completely steal the show with their funny lines, glances and acting skills. Outstanding work.
The whole cast are exceptional. The show is exciting and well-paced with a witty script. And where else can you hear people sing ‘Oh Shit’ on stage? I loved the slo-mo during the early fight scene. Such a phenomenal ensemble. Not only do I recommend it, but this is fast becoming one of my favourite shows. But don’t take my word for it. Go buy a ticket and experience the angst of teenage love at its most extreme.
Heathers the Musical is at Waterside Theatre, Aylesbury until 3 June.