Heathers

I confess, I approached this show with no prior knowledge at all. I have never seen the 1989 Winina Ryder film or heard the soundtrack and there was no synopsis in the programme so I really was fairly well in the dark. After seeing it, I'm not sure how much wiser I feel! This is not like any other teen musical and, though apparently not as dark or explicit as the film, it falls somewhere between a dark comedy, a cruel satire and a  slightly off morality story.

In truth, I think the musical plays best to an audience already in love with the story, and there are plenty who fall into that category. I have rarely, outside Rocky Horror, seen an audience as dressed up as this one. "Heathers" were  everywhere in evidence and the whooping and cheering during the show clearly indicated a high level of engagement with both characters and plot.

The performances were all strong, especially that of Veronia (Jenna Innes) who has a great voice for this show. The set and lighting were practical rather than impressive and the sound balance was a little off for me making following the words a bit tricky at times (is this my age I hear you ask!).

Overall, I'm not sure that the show knows what to make of itself, but I really don't think that matters - this is a show for the fans more than one that will win over new audiences, and as such it is very successful - just not for me. If you love "Heathers" then go see it, you'll have a fabulous time, I can't say fairer than that!