Review: Teen romance with the darkest turn creates wild ride at Sheffield's Lyceum theatre

Unexpected twists in the high school story far darker than the rest including murder, sex and seriously wicked humour

I went into Heathers the Musical knowing very little about what I was about to see.

The cast of Heathers The Musical in full dance mode | Pamela Raith

placeholder image — The cast of Heathers The Musical in full dance mode | Pamela Raith

For the first few scenes, I thought I had it figured out: another classic high-school story featuring the popular clique, the nerd and a mysterious new boy who doesn’t quite belong.

I had seriously underestimated what was about to unfold.

Based on the cult 1989 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, Heathers first became a stage musical in Los Angeles in 2013 before being reimagined for its London debut in 2018.

Several West End runs and UK tours later, it has clearly built up a devoted following.

Heathers quickly revealed itself to be much darker than your average teen musical.

Beneath the colourful costumes, big musical numbers and high-school drama lies murder, suicide, sex and some seriously dark humour.

It is very funny, although its comedy certainly won’t be to everyone’s taste. The show is recommended for ages 14+ but there is plenty of swearing and even in my late twenties there were moments that made me cringe in my seat.

Beau Jackson and Markus Södergren brought the laughs to Heathers The Musical | Pamela Raith

Some of my biggest laughs came from Kurt and Ram, played by Markus Södergren and Beau Jackson. The double act had impressively synchronised moves. Geraldine Sacdalan is excellent as Veronica Sawyer, while Liberty Stottor, Jessica Ibadin and Lou Henry make an impressive trio as the formidable Heathers.

Special credit also has to go to Louis Hearsey as J.D. He genuinely gave me the creeps and made my skin crawl which is probably one of the greatest compliments I can give his performance. He manages to make J.D. charismatic enough to understand Veronica’s initial attraction to him while becoming increasingly unsettling as the story progresses.

Gerardine Sacdalan and Louis Hearsey play teenagers in the stageshow based on the Hollywood smash hit - Heathers The Musical | Pamela Raith

There are some lighter moments too, including some unexpected audience participation. One front-row audience member was pulled into a mock affair with one of the teachers, Ms. Fleming played by Veronica Carabai. Things escalated quickly as he ended up enthusiastically shaking his backside to plenty of cheers from the audience.

Dark and outrageous, Heathers certainly isn’t your typical feel-good musical. Yet with an outstanding cast, live band and plenty of genuine laughs I would absolutely recommend seeing it.

Heathers is at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre until Saturday, October 24. Get tickets at www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk