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Writer's pictureNeill Kovacic-Clarke

REVIEW: HEATHERS @ THE PRINCESS THEATRE

🎭 Heathers

📍  Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ                             

🗓 Tuesday 5th November 2024

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


BRILLIANTLY TWISTED!


Dear Diary, last night I was invited to Torquay's Princess Theatre to check out the touring production of HEATHERS and it was so very!


HEATHERS is based on the 1989 film of the same name whose central character Veronica Sawyer makes it into the high school clique known as 'The Heathers' - because all three members are called Heather! She joins the group to secure an easy ride through high school, humiliating her best friend Martha along the way.


The lives of the class are disrupted by the arrival of J.D. who although has an immediate connection with Veronica, has a general hatred and distrust of humanity and soon this story turns from a predictable teen clichĂŠ into something much darker.


In a musical which is sometimes over the top with lots of exaggerated acting Keelan McAuley gives the standout performance of the evening as J.D. managing to keep him firmly rooted in reality. The way he portrays the character really lets you see just how damaged he is and even though he is doing despicable things, you can't help but feel sorry for him. He gave an emotionally powerful performance which was sublimely captivating and his vocals were incredible.


At this performance the role of Veronica was covered by May Tether who was absolutely sensational in the role. Her vocals were insane and she held the audience in her hand as we were collectively in awe of her talent. I enjoyed her side-eyes to the audience and just the expressive nature of her interpretation of the role.


Other notable performances came from Amy Miles who gave a beautiful performance of Kindergarten Boyfriend as Martha, and Lucy Sinclair who was gloriously comedic as Ms. Fleming.


This is a high-energy show and it's no wonder it's such a hit, especially with younger theatre goers. I love the way the story takes you by surprise and the light and dark moments contrast exceptionally well. There's no denying that HEATHERS tackles some really dark themes such as murder, suicide and sexual assault, but it balances them with a light hearted edge and whilst it does discuss and challenge these things, it still manages to leave its audience with a euphoric sensation.


The set design at first seems quite basic but is actually really clever and functional, working well throughout the show and both the direction and choreography is well executed. The lighting design serves its purpose but does feel a bit simplistic and lacklustre, using the same lighting repeatedly which became a bit monotonous.


HEATHERS should actually be a 5 star show, but whenever I've reviewed it there have been different issues which always keep it at 4 stars! On this occasion I felt that while there were some exceptional vocals as mentioned, there were other vocals which were unfortunately not up to standard. I also felt some of the relationships between characters felt like they lacked the chemistry I had seen in previous productions.


That being said, there's no denying how much I love this show and even though I felt I couldn't award 5 stars, I would go back and see this show tomorrow!


HEATHERS is playing all this week at the Princess Theatre. Click here to check availability and to book tickets for this devilishly dark comedy which both tugs at your heartstrings and has you rolling in the aisles with laughter!


F**k me with a chainsaw, HEATHERS is a hit!


Neill Kovacic-Clarke


All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  


My ticket for this performance of Heathers was gifted by the Princess Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.


CAST AT THIS PERFORMANCE:

May Tether as Victoria Sawyer; Keelan McAuley as Jason 'J.D.' Dean; Esme Bowdler as Heather Chandler; Sedona Sky as Heather Duke; Daisy Twells as Heather McNamara; Lucy Sinclair as Ms. Fleming / Veronica's Mom; Amy Miles as Martha Dunnstock; IvĂĄn FernĂĄndez GonzĂĄlez as Kurt Kelly; Jason Battersby as Ram Sweeney; Conor McFarlane as Ram's Dad / Big Bud Dean / Coach Ripper; Alexander Service as Kurt's Dad / Veronica's Dad / Principal Gowen; Ben Fenwick as Beleaguered Geek; Lewis Asquith as Hipster Dork / Officer; Bradly Doko as Preppy Stud / Officer; Jasmine Cole as Young Republicanette; Kelly Sweeney as Stoner Chick; Eliza Bowden as New Wave Party Girl; Madeleine Hargrave as Midwestern Surfer Punk


RUN TIME (approx):

2 hours 30 minutes, including interval


CONTENT WARNINGS:

Murder; Suicide; Attempted rape; Bullying; Violence; Depictions of firearms; Gunshots; Simulated sex scene; Strong language: References to eating disorders: Loud explosion; Strobe lights

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