Heathers

Arts Theatre Marble Arch

London's new Heathers cast is THE BOMB! The musical we all know and love, copied and pasted into a new venue, with new perspectives on the iconic characters. Quite an upgrade.

Trigger warning: This show does have some heavy themes of suicide, mental health and the comedy is dark.

Honey, what are you waiting for? Get yourself to Westerberg High whilst you still can. 'Heathers' is a well-loved musical in the theatre scene, and we can't go long without it. The best thing about this show is how it brings us fresh musical theatre performers to break into the theatre industry, always bringing a new spin on our favourite characters. One performer who is putting the most personality and vibrance into their character is Gerardine Sacdalan, who plays Veronica. The audience gets blown away by her individuality, but each performer gets to put their own personal stamp on their roles, and that's another reason to love Heathers: the space the performers have to create something new with their material.

Haven't you seen the musical before? Oh my word, have you been under a rock? The musical is based on the 1988 film Heathers, which I am yet to see. In terms of comparison, I can't give you much. However, you don't need that context to watch the show. It's an easy-to-follow story about navigating the high school hierarchy; the 'Heathers' are at the top of the food chain. Yes, the characters with the scrunchies. If you are at the bottom of the social hierarchy, then your time in high school is not as fun. The audience follows Veronica as she finds her way into the Heathers, loses her sense of self, and then falls in love with Jason Dean (JD), who is more than just a 'toxic' boyfriend. Things go from bad to VERY BAD. I've always felt the ending is so mellow for all the crazy things Veronica is a part of and has no repercussions, but hey, it's a great show. We aren't here to review the story or the musical; we're here to review the production. If you are a Heathers fan, you already know the musical alone is a five-star piece of theatre.

Let's talk about 'Heathers' at the Arts Theatre, Marble Arch and the 2026 cast.

If you want to see actors who have the best time whilst doing a show, this is THE show! The vibes are just outrageous. Welcome back to the 'Heathers' cast, Markus Södergren! What an incredible pair he and Beau Jackson are as Kurt Kelly and Ram Sweeny; they bring so much fun to the roles, and this animated dynamic is so fun to watch. They exhilarate the huge personality that the show has, and are in perfect time with each other. The definition of a dynamic duo. Louis Hearsey plays the villain of the show JD, and he grows into this visibly insane character by the end of the show. His climactic moment in 'Meant To Be Yours' deserves a standing ovation in itself, highly characterised and builds into a moment of chaos, that is both scary and beautiful. The chemistry between him and Veronica, played by Gerardine, is scorching. Their voices together create a moment of musical bliss. The whole cast is a complete delight to watch. However, there are a few moments that feel out of time and a little slow. These moments were few, and as the run goes on, I'd assume they would be ironed out.

Of course, the main event of the show is our 'Heathers', and the mythical Heather Chandler, played by Liberty Stottor, and her voice as a whole is a complete beauty. She seamlessly throws riff after riff with such ease; her voice is versatile and strong. She is an icon, and as a Heather Chandler should be, I'd say she is the best performer I have seen in this role! Then, we have the powerful Heather Duke, played by Jessica Jbadin, who plays the role of Duke well! She has power and shows the character's devious side well, with a wonderful, strong voice. Lastly, we have the naive Heather McNamara, played by Lou Henry. She shows how her character blindly follows her peers and gets lost in the hierarchy. When everything comes crumbling down in school, she clearly shows how McNamara breaks down and feels lost without her friends and the protection of her high status at school. The three are so different from each other, and that's what makes the Heathers one of the most interesting trios of the show. Each actress brings something fresh and new.

It feels like the Heathers set, designed by David Sheilds, has had quite the upgrade; it does genuinely look like a real-life school hall on stage. Some amazing dimensions and uses of colours to make the stage look so realistic, with a little bit of animation. Each time the show comes back to London, it gets better and better. Director Andy Fickman has outdone himself with the amazing direction of the characters. The production as a whole is just fabulous, and Heathers fans will be delighted to see the show. Plus, it'll bring in many new lovers of the show.

The Arts Theatre Marble Arch is quite a different venue, and whilst it serves its purpose and means we have more space for shows, it is difficult to enjoy a show when all you can hear is the traffic and whatever noise pollution is coming from the streets. It's spacious, has air conditioning, but it just does not have the comfort of other theatres or can shut the outside world out, as most theatres do. You are consistently reminded that you are watching a show, and it takes your mind away from the drama on the stage. It's quite different.

We, musical lovers, can't live without our Heather's fix for long. It ignites the musical theatre flame, gives us a taste of the drama, and creates dreams for those young adult performers who long for their moment in this show. It's a timeless show that seems to get better and better the more it comes back to the UK, and I look forward to it getting even better next time!