As Heathers the Musical first-timers we walked into the Oxford Playhouse with no idea what this show was about.
But there were plenty of Heathers’ fans in there – they knew the characters, the plot and even what lines were coming next.
We were transported back to 1989, it was a new school year at Westerberg High and Veronica Sawyer (played by May Tether) bemoans her peers, who could be described as ‘meanagers’, as she prepares for another year as the school nobody. But when the most popular girls in school, the trio of Heathers, Heather Chandler (Esme Bowdler), Heather Duke (Sedona Sky )and Heather McNamara (Daisy Twells) find out she can forge handwriting, they take her under their wing and her popularity soars.
However, trouble in looming in the shape of mysterious teen rebel JD (Keelan McAulay) who arrives in town with a bang.
Heathers is a dark comedy touching on themes of bullying, suicide, murder, date rape, eating disorders and homophobia. But all this darkness was delivered in a fluffy musical theatre blanket. There were plenty of hilarious one liners, put-downs, such as Veronica quip calling the Heathers the ‘lip gloss gestapo’.
We particularly enjoyed watching Esme Bowdler’s Heather, she was high maintenance, shrill, muttering expletives and had some of the best lines in the show, “Grow up Heather, bulimia’s so ’87” and “Well f*** me gently with a chainsaw. Do I look like Mother Teresa?” Had us laughing out loud.
Watch out for the slow-motion scenes, we particularly enjoyed the first fight scene between JD, Kurt (Nam Fernandez Gonzalez) and Ram (Jason Battersby) their actions and expressions were hilarious. And well done to the guy in the front row who was put on the spot by Ms Fleming.
This really was a high octane, fast-paced hilarious show, which has amassed a big cult following. The cast were all wonderful – kudos to Kelly Sweeney and May, who were the understudies for Martha and Veronica respectively, and were fabulous.
Heather’s the Musical is at the Oxford Playhouse until Saturday 26th October, tickets start from £14 and are available at the Box Office on 01865 305305 or to book online at www.oxfordplayhouse.com
