Watching the opening number of Heathers the Musical – a preppy technicolour riot of high school dance and song – you could be forgiven for thinking that you are settling into the cosy world of Glee or Grease.
Photo © Pamela Raith
But slowly, the story (self-doubting Veronica forsakes her best friend at high school so she can be accepted by the high-ranking trio of Heathers) reveals its grimy underbelly of murder, suicide, eating disorders, bullying, social exclusion and family breakdown, meriting its 14+ age guidance.
How these troubling themes marry up with broad comedy moments, the eye-popping colours of Johnny Palmer’s costumes for the three Heathers, and Andy Fickman’s slick, fast-paced direction, is not fully resolved; but the formula works, judging by the rapturous reception of the audience and its ongoing success (this week is part of a major UK tour, alongside the London production still showing).
There is no doubting the stunning talent on stage, with impressive singing and dancing from the entire company.
As the tormented lovers Veronica and JD, Jenna Innes and Jacob Fowler (reprising his West End role) have strong chemistry, blending versatile vocals with shaded characterisation.
Verity Thompson as Heather Chandler has a magnetic stage presence and dance skills, while Billie Bowman as Heather McNamara and Kingsley Morton as Martha show great poignancy in Act Two.
Meanwhile, Morgan Jackson as Ram and Alex Woodward as Kurt show off their impressive comic timing and six packs in equal measure.
This is a confident production which moves at pace, and after all the darkness, somehow leads to an unexpected happy send-off.
Heathers the Musical runs until Saturday 25th March at Theatre Royal Bath. Box office: 01225 448844
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Reviewer: Steve Huggins
