By Lucas Heap
For a few years now, Heathers has remained my favourite musical. Based on the cult teen ’80s film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers is a dark comedy centred around caricatures of high school archetypes being selectively murdered by the psychopathic love interest- I mean, what’s not to love?
Its popularity means that we never have to wait long until it’s back on a new UK tour, and every time it is, I’m faced with a dilemma. Do I go again knowing that if it’s at its best, I’ll be laughing, crying and singing the songs in my head for weeks? Or do I not risk it, fearing that at its worst, it could tarnish the reputation of my favourite musical forever?
A quick look on the Wales Millennium Centre’s website and when I saw the cast was led by Jenna Innes, I knew I had to go back. I had seen Innes as Veronica Sawyer last year was delighted to see that a year later, she’s still absolutely smashing it, somehow making the famously difficult songs seem effortless.
Interestingly, I noticed a few differences in her portrayal this time which I imagine was largely down to a new addition to the cast – Keelan McAuley.
McAuley’s portrayal of the psychotic JD was perhaps the most interesting take I’ve seen on the character. Unlike with previous JDs I’ve seen before, it’s clear that something is off with him right from the start. His portrayal works so well and it’s understandable why someone like Veronica could fall for the mysterious, slightly strange, new guy. On the other hand, it’s thanks to this inherent strangeness that the popular kids like Ram and Heather Chandler take an instant dislike to him. This, paired with a slightly different Veronica, works especially well in numbers like ‘I Say No’ and ‘Meant To Be Yours’; the latter of the two had me on the edge of my seat.
Another stand out was Daisy Twells as Heather McNamara. Twells excels as the subordinate airhead and delicately handles the vulnerable side of her that we see more of towards the end. Her rendition of ‘lifeboat’ was beautiful and it really caught me off guard considering it’s usually one of the more skippable songs. On top of this, I kept on noticing little moments when she was doing something in the background of scenes which would often get a laugh out of me. She is easily the favourite Heather McNamara that I’ve seen.
Along with the cast, the talented musicians work tirelessly playing the big bombastic songs and ensemble numbers like ‘Big Fun’ and ‘Shine a Light’ with the hilarious Ms Fleming are pitch perfect and superb.
It was certainly worth seeing again and I would absolutely recommend it.
Heathers the Musical is on at Wales Millennium Centre until 17 August
Photos by Pamela Raith photography