“Dark, Hilarious, and Unmissable – Heathers at Oxford Playhouse is a Killer Hit!”
Heathers the Musical arrives at the Oxford Playhouse as part of its latest UK tour, following successful runs in London’s West End and two record-breaking national tours. Winner of the WhatsOnStage ‘Best New Musical’ award, this darkly comedic rock musical is based on the 1989 cult teen film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. Set in the halls of Westerberg High, it tells the story of Veronica Sawyer and her dangerous brush with popularity under the influence of the ruthless Heathers. With its mix of sharp humor, memorable songs, and biting social commentary, the production continues to captivate audiences.
The cast of Heathers the Musical delivered a stellar performance, showcasing incredible talent and energy. For this particular evening, the role of Veronica Sawyer was played by May Tether, and Martha Dunnstock by Kelly Sweeney, both of whom brought depth and nuance to their characters. However, it was Keelan McAuley, as JD, who truly stole the show. His rich, captivating voice paired with his gripping portrayal of JD’s gradual descent into madness made for a compelling performance that kept the audience riveted, as well as a bit flustered 😉 .
The trio of Heathers—Esme Bowdler (Heather Chandler), Sedona Sky (Heather Duke), and Daisy Swells (Heather McNamara)—were nothing short of a force to be reckoned with. Their charisma, sharp delivery, and commanding stage presence earned them rapturous applause, and their distinct personalities shone through in every scene. Although both Bowdler and Tether appeared a touch nervous during the opening numbers, they quickly found their stride. By the end of the performance, it was impossible to imagine anyone but May Tether in the role of Veronica—her transformation throughout the show was seamless and utterly convincing.
Lucy Sinclair delivered a standout moment with her powerhouse vocals, particularly in Shine, where she took control of the stage and left a lasting impression. Equally, Jason Buttersby (Kurt) and Ivan Fernandez Gomez (Ram) were comedic highlights, injecting much-needed levity into the darker themes of the show. Their chemistry, alongside Veronica, shone during their rendition of You’re Welcome, a darkly humorous number that expertly balanced the musical’s black comedy tone. Throughout the show, Veronica’s sharp humor kept the audience engaged, skillfully embodying the wit and edge of the original cult classic film.
Musically, Heathers lived up to its accolade as Best New Musical, with standout songs like Seventeen sending shivers down spines as Keelan McAuley’s dulcet tones intertwined with Veronica. Showstoppers like Candy Store and Dead Girl Walking were electrifying, entertaining and full of energy, showcasing the cast’s vocal prowess and elevating the musical to a whole new level.
The set design was simple yet effective, effortlessly transforming from a croquet lawn to Westerberg High without breaking the flow of the performance. This minimalist approach allowed the focus to remain on the cast and the story, proving that sometimes less is more.
Overall, Heathers the Musical at Oxford Playhouse was a five-star experience, and I’ve had the soundtrack on repeat ever since. With only a few dates left on the tour, it’s a must-see for any musical theatre fan.