What’s the damage, Heather? The fan-favourite show has exploded onto the Welsh Millennium Centre stage. With a phenomenal cast and a catchy soundtrack, you won’t want to miss this.
Heathers is a cult obsession amongst the younger generations of theatre fans. It’s a kitschy, totally rad retelling of the 1988 movie of the same name. Starring Winona Ryder and Christen Slater, the film is a darkly camp story that naturally moves to the stage, despite its morbid themes. Heathers is essentially the edgy mother to movies/musicals like Mean Girls.
Following Veronica, a teenage nobody lost in the high school cliches. She befriends the Heathers, a trio of God-like girls who tyrannically rule over the school. Veronica soon falls for JD, the new kid around town. He might seem like the perfect boyfriend, but his bad-boy persona might be more dangerous than it appears.
It’s truly a treat to watch this production. The cast was outstanding throughout.
Rebecca Wickes plays Veronica in a uniquely fun way. Veronica is a character born from the queen of Halloween, Winona Ryder. She is often played as an edgy outcast. Wickes throws new light on the character, she’s now a comedic nerd who is awkward, goofy yet confident. It works well amongst the surrealism that the whole cast embraces.
JD (Simon Gordon) and the Heathers (Maddison Firth, Merryl Ansah, and Lizzy Parker) were colourfully performed in an already vibrant show. Maddison Firth was a particular highlight, with a commanding presence that had the audience in stitches.
Ram (Rory Phelan) and Kurt (Liam Doyle) were hilarious. Despite the toxic character traits of these dude-bros, they managed to win the crowd over with every line.
Heathers is a strange musical. It’s covers topics like suicide, child abuse, and school shootings with gospel gay anthem, a glee-esque number, and a ballad or two. It’s a quirky tour de force that is a must-see.
You can check out this musical in the Welsh Millennium Centre from the 30th of November to the 4th of December.
