Greetings and Salutations!

The students of Westerberg High are back once again to cause more musical mayhem at the Wales Millennium Centre and I was lucky enough to be invited to come and review it.

This was my third time watching it and every time it just reaffirms why it is one of my favourite shows. Each new production brings its own unique flare and interpretations of the characters but I was particularly impressed by this latest performance. 

Based on the 1989 cult classic, the story follows Veronica Sawyer as she’s launched into the world of beauty and popularity as she’s taken under the wings of the stunningly cruel Heathers. What she had always hoped for had come true, that was until she meets the mysterious rebel, J.D and Veronica quickly discovers that in high school, it’s kill or be killed…

This production has everything you want in a show. Darkly humorous, with show stopper after show stopper hits. Visually this show is very impressive, but hats off has to go to the lightning designer who has created an incredible technicolour experience, particularly the clever different coloured spotlights for the Heathers.

I was blown away by this cast. The audience, super fans to novices, expect a lot out of these characters and we were certainly not disappointed. Jenna Innes took on her role as the incomparable Veronica Sawyer and wowed the audience with her layered portrayal. Her talent really shone through in this role, giving us an outstanding performance. Particularly with her rendition, ‘I Say No’, which brought this pinnacle moment to a whole new level. A true talent.

Then there’s Veronica’s murderously charming partner-in-crime, J.D, performed by Keelan McAuley, who’s unique portrayal of J.D was stunningly unhinged, showing an emotional range I haven’t yet seen in the character’s portrayal. At first I was unsure of his take, but McAuley swept away any doubts with his twisted depiction of Westerberg High’s dark horse. And his rendition of ‘Meant To Be Yours’ was perfectly chilling, leaving me with goosebumps.

And who could forget the iconically ruthless Heathers. Esme Bowdler as Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky as Heather Duke and Daisy Twells as Heather McNamara brought these villainous beauties to life on stage. Each as impressive together as they were individually. Their rendition of ‘Candy Store’, was one of my personal favourites, with harmonies that left the audience with goosebumps. 

A special mention has to go to Iván Fernández González as Kurt Kelly and Jason Battersby as Ram Sweeney, who although portrayed characters with a slightly skewed moral compass, their hilariously upbeat performance quickly made them an audience favourite.

The rest of the cast, Lucy Sinclair as Ms. Fleming (Veronica’s Mom), Amy Mills as Martha Dunnstock, Conor McFarlane as Ram’s Dad (Big Bud Dean/Coach Ripper), Alexander Service as Kurt’s Dad (Veronica’s Dad/Principal Gowan), Ben Fenwick, Lewis Asquith, Bradley Doko, Jasmine Cole, Kelly Sweeney, Eliza Bowden, May Tether and Madeleine Hargrave.

This performance highly deserved the roaring standing ovation they received. Heathers the Musical is the perfect show for anyone looking for a fun night out to enjoy hilarious quips, show stopping hits and a cast that will leave you amazed. 

Heathers the Musical will be at the Wales Millennium Centre until the 17th August and there are only a handful of tickets left, so get yours now and get ready for ‘Big Fun’!

To find out more about what’s going on in the Wales Millennium Centre, you can visit their website, Facebook and Instagram.

And make sure to check out the official Heathers the Musical website, Facebook and Instagram.

All photo credits to Pamela Raith