Ad: We received tickets in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I’ve always loved the film Heathers, so when I heard the musical was coming to New Theatre Peterborough, I knew I had to go. There are some films that just stay with you, and Heathers is definitely one of those for me. The dark humour, the iconic characters and the sheer madness of life at Westerberg High make it such a classic.
So, on opening night, I headed to the theatre with my daughter, my sister and our niece. A proper girls’ night out, with a bit of nostalgia thrown in!
And honestly? I absolutely loved it.
Bringing Heathers to the stage
If you know the film, you’ll already have an idea of what to expect, but seeing the story performed live gives it a whole new feel. The songs bring something different to the characters, and the combination of comedy, drama and those darker moments makes it a really entertaining watch.
It’s not your typical musical, that’s for sure. The humour is sharp, the story is outrageous in places, and there are moments when you almost can’t believe what’s happening. But that’s part of the fun.
What I really enjoyed was how the show managed to be funny while still touching on some serious subjects. Bullying, fitting in, friendships and the pressure to be popular are all things that feel just as relevant now as they did when the original film came out.
There’s plenty going on, and the music fits the story brilliantly. I came away feeling that it had done justice to a film I’ve loved for years, while still being its own thing.
Ellouise Delooze as Veronica
On opening night, Veronica Sawyer was played by understudy Ellouise Delooze, and I was really pleased we got to see her performance.
Veronica is such a central character, and so much of the story rests on her. She starts out wanting to fit in and find her place, only to discover that being part of the popular crowd isn’t quite what she imagined.
Ellouise brought the character to life, and it was lovely to see an understudy stepping into such an important role. It’s also a good reminder that there’s so much talent behind the scenes in theatre, and understudies deserve just as much appreciation.
Martha was another highlight
One performance that really stood out for me was Martha. The actress playing her had a fantastic voice, and I found myself really enjoying her musical moments.
Martha brings a softer, more vulnerable side to the story. In a show full of big personalities and dark comedy, those more emotional moments make a difference, and the singing added real feeling to them.
It was one of those performances that stays with you after the curtain comes down.
A girls’ night out with a generational twist
One of the nicest things about this trip was getting to share it with my daughter, my sister and our niece.
I grew up loving the original film, so going to see the musical brought back plenty of memories for me. But I also loved that we could all enjoy it together, even though we come from different generations and might have discovered the story at different times.
That’s one of the lovely things about theatre. Something you remember from years ago can find a whole new audience, and suddenly you’re sharing it with the people you love.
It was fun watching the story unfold on stage, knowing how much I’d enjoyed the film, while getting to experience this version together. And of course, a night out with my daughter, sister and niece meant we had plenty to talk about afterwards!
I think there’s something really special about passing on a little bit of your own pop-culture history without it feeling like you’re trying to introduce everyone to the old days. Good stories are good stories, and Heathers still has plenty to say.
Is Heathers the Musical worth seeing?
For me, absolutely.
If you loved the film, I think you’ll enjoy seeing it brought to life on stage. If you’re new to Heathers, there’s still plenty to get stuck into, from the catchy songs to the outrageous humour and the characters themselves.
Just bear in mind that this isn’t a sweet, feel-good high-school musical. It deals with some dark themes, including bullying and mental health, so it’s worth checking the age guidance before booking for younger audience members.
But if you enjoy your theatre with a bit of attitude, plenty of laughs and something a little different, it’s well worth considering.
Planning a visit to New Theatre Peterborough
- Booking and performance times: Check the New Theatre Peterborough website for the latest availability and ticket details.
It’s worth checking the performance time and planning parking or public transport before you go, especially if you’re travelling in for an evening show.
My final thoughts
I went to opening night because I loved the film, and I came away having thoroughly enjoyed the musical in its own right.
Ellouise Delooze was great to see as Veronica, Veronica and Martha’s vocals were a real highlight for me, and the whole production made for a brilliant night out.
But more than anything, I loved being able to share it with my daughter, sister and niece. It was a chance to revisit something I’ve enjoyed for years and make some new memories at the same time.
Would I recommend it? Definitely.
If Heathers is a film you remember fondly, go and see the musical. And if you’ve never watched the original, don’t let that put you off.
Just be prepared for a high-school experience that’s a little darker than most!
Have you seen Heathers the Musical, or are you still a fan of the original film?
