Mummy & Moose
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Heathers the Musical at New Theatre Peterborough

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

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?

9 to 5 The Musical Review | A Feel-Good Night at New Theatre Peterborough

AD – We were kindly invited to attend this performance for the purpose of review. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

There’s something really special about an evening at the theatre. It’s one of my favourite ways to switch off from the busyness of everyday life, spend quality time together and enjoy live entertainment. So when we were invited to see 9 to 5 The Musical at New Theatre Peterborough, I couldn’t wait.

Although I hadn’t seen it, I had heard of the Dolly Parton film, so I was interested to see how it would work on stage. I’m happy to say it absolutely didn’t disappoint. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it was one of the most enjoyable musicals I’ve seen in a long time.

A Story That Still Feels Relevant

If you’ve never seen 9 to 5, the story follows Violet, Judy and Doralee, three very different women brought together by one thing—they’re completely fed up with their overbearing, arrogant and sexist boss, Franklin Hart Jr.

What follows is a hilarious adventure full of unexpected twists, laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of heart. While the story is packed with comedy, it also carries a powerful message about friendship, equality and having the confidence to stand up for yourself.

Even though the story is set in the late 1970s, it’s surprising just how relevant many of its themes still feel today.

Incredible Performances

From the moment the curtain went up, the cast had the audience completely engaged.

The three leading ladies were outstanding, each bringing their own personality and warmth to their roles. Their friendship felt completely believable, and you could really sense the bond between them throughout the performance.

Of course, every great comedy needs someone to love to hate, and Franklin Hart Jr. was played brilliantly. He had the audience laughing at his ridiculous behaviour throughout the evening, even while we were all desperately rooting for the women to get the better of him.

The entire cast brought so much energy to the stage, and it was obvious they were having just as much fun performing as we were watching.

The Music Everyone Knows and Loves

You simply can’t talk about 9 to 5 The Musical without mentioning the music.

Dolly Parton’s songs are timeless, and hearing them performed live was such a treat. The title song, 9 to 5, had the audience clapping along almost instantly, and I don’t think I was the only one quietly singing under my breath.

The choreography was slick, the vocals were exceptional and every musical number felt polished and full of life.

A Fantastic Production

The production itself was brilliant.

The set changes were smooth and creative, allowing the story to move quickly without losing momentum. The costumes perfectly captured the era, adding plenty of colour and personality to each scene.

Everything came together beautifully, making it incredibly easy to become completely immersed in the performance.

A Brilliant Night Out at New Theatre Peterborough

One of my favourite things about live theatre is the atmosphere, and this audience certainly didn’t disappoint.

There was laughter throughout the show, huge applause after the musical numbers and an enthusiastic standing ovation at the end that was thoroughly deserved.

As we left the theatre, everyone around us seemed to be chatting about their favourite moments, humming the songs and leaving with huge smiles on their faces. It’s always a sign of a great show when the buzz continues long after the final curtain.

About the Production at New Theatre Peterborough

The show runs from 8–11 July 2026 in the theatre’s Main Auditorium, with tickets starting from just £15, making it an accessible night out for musical lovers.

The production features music and lyrics by the legendary Dolly Parton and is directed by Paul Jepson – who we sat behind and whose animated and joyful reaction to the performance was lovely to witness, with eye-catching set and costume design by Amanda Stoodley. The talented cast includes Jade Marvin as Violet, Kayla Carter as Judy, Karla Tracey as Doralee, Tim Rogers as the unforgettable Franklin Hart Jr., and Jessica Martin as Roz. Together, they deliver a polished, energetic performance that brings fresh life to this much-loved musical.

The atmosphere inside the theatre was fantastic. From the excited chatter before the curtain rose to the enthusiastic applause and standing ovation at the end, it was clear the audience had embraced the show. The beautiful auditorium at New Theatre Peterborough provided the perfect setting for such a vibrant production, with excellent views of the stage and a welcoming atmosphere that always makes a visit feel like a special occasion.

I genuinely had such a wonderful evening watching 9 to 5 The Musical at New Theatre Peterborough.

It’s funny, uplifting, brilliantly performed and packed with unforgettable songs. Whether you’re already a fan of the film or completely new to the story, it’s a musical that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling.

If you’re looking for a feel-good night out filled with laughter, fantastic performances and plenty of Dolly Parton magic, I’d highly recommend booking tickets if the tour is coming to a theatre near you.

This is one show I’d happily see all over again.