The cult classic turned rocking musical is back: Heathers the Musical is playing until 6th July at the shiny new @Sohoplace Theatre near Tottenham Court Road.

For fans of this movie (who aren’t all called Heather) this is a thrilling homage to the dark tale of the original Mean Girls getting their comeuppance in style. For those who didn’t even know there was a movie (it was released in the 80s after all) this is a super fun night out full of catchy tunes with an edge, deserving of its own cult status. Most of the audience seemed to fall in the latter category with countless young fans dressed in Heather outfits complete with big bow, making this 1988 Heather baby feel more than a bit old.

The story goes, the quiet but witty Veronica is finally accepted into the Heathers, the It girl group of Westerberg High led by Heather Chandler (recent graduate Esme Bowdler relishing the epic role and vocals with ease). At the same time, mysterious Jason “J.D” Dean (complete with trenchcoat) starts at the school and catches Veronica’s eye. A series of… let’s say mishaps lead to her having to deal with some of the more deadly challenges of high school. It’s dark, it’s relatable and it’s fricking funny.

The costume design needs the first shout out – somehow incredibly talented and experienced David Shields makes the iconic outfits from the movie even more iconic. Bright, surprising, fun and oh so on brief – if the brief was ticking every trend box of the 80s. From shoulder pads to fanny packs to leggings, leg warmers and thigh highs, this has got it!

Heathers the Musical is a sight to behold, backed up by songs that hype you up to skip detention and take up croquet. Like the film, the high school poppy tropes (like Candy Store) are grounded with heart wrenching, teen angsty ballads with incredibly emotive performances – physically and vocally – from the talented cast. Freeze Your Brain performed by up and coming talent Keelan McAuley was a show stopper (and it was only the fourth song of Act One).

Choreography by Gary Lloyd takes advantage of the smaller @Sohoplace stage, making the school feel full and diverse – with big performances by the support cast further filling the intimate space. This included Iván Fernández González and Jason Batterbsy as Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeney respectively, a real couple of Jock bros complete with the cringy, laddy, and sometimes deadly attitudes that often goes with the territory. Director Andy Fickman loves this show and it shows, with the supporting cast offered interesting narratives and personalities even if they’re not written into the script.

Heathers the Musical is in London until July 6th but deserving of a permanent residence. Go see it if you can!