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Photo credit: Heathers cast 2021 at Theatre Royal Haymarket (Photo by Pamela Raith)

Everything you need to know about ‘Heathers’ in London

Sophie Thomas

Sophie Thomas

March 29, 2022 08:51

Honey, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to see Heathers in London. Heathers is a cult musical based on the 1980s film of the same name, which sees a group of popular high school students as they navigate life as troubled teens. One of them begins to make catastrophic decisions, learning the errors of their ways. 

Heathers is back in the West End for a homecoming at The Other Palace, and will reopen the London theatre. If you've never seen Heathers in London, discover more about how the musical has taken over the West End. 

Here's our complete guide to Heathers in London, with Heathers tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

What is Heathers about?

Veronica Sawyer is a high school "nobody." All she wants is to be popular though, dreaming of the days where the other kids say hi in the corridor. Her call is answered when she's invited to join the Heathers, a favoured trio of young women all named Heather: Heather Chandler, Heather Duke and Heather McNamara. In the 'Heathers', Veronica begins to attract male attention, especially J.D., behaving in unforgivable ways in order to impress. There's shocking scenes in Heathers too, but ultimately Veronica learns that being herself is the best way to be in high school. 

Is Heathers based on a film?

The Heathers musical is based on the 1989 film of the same name, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. The Heathers film won the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature, and screenwriter Daniel Waters won the Edgar Award for Best Motion Picture Screenplay.

When did Heathers premiere?

After a series of 2009 readings in Los Angeles and 2010 concerts at Joe's Pub in New York, the world premiere of the Heathers musical took place at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Los Angeles. Heathers ran on weekends from 21 September to 6 Oct. 2013, selling out performances. The Heathers Off-Broadway premiere opened at New World Stages, running from 15 March to 4 Aug. 2014. Find out more about Heathers in New York here.

In 2017, Heathers was workshopped for a new production at The Other Palace, eventually leading to its London premiere. Heathers opened as a full production at The Other Palace from 9 June to 4 Aug. 2018, and then transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket a month later, from 3 September to 24 Nov. 2018. Heathers has now become a West End favourite, and returned to the Haymarket from 21 June to 11 Sept. 2021. 

Heathers 2021 (Photo courtesy of Heathers)

Who wrote Heathers?

The Heathers musical features a book, music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Kevin Murphy. Together, they've previously worked on musicals including Bat Boy and Legally Blonde. 

Who is in Heathers in London?

Ailsa Davidson plays Veronica Sawyer, with Simon Gordon as JD, Emma Kingston as Heather Chandler, Inez Budd as Heather Duke and Teleri Hughes as Heather McNamara.

The cast will also feature Vicki Lee Taylor, Lizzie Bea, George Maddison, Tom Scanlon, Andy Brady, Jordan Cunningham, Eliza Waters, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Hannah Lowther and Kayleigh McKnight, May Tether, Benjamin Karran and Jermaine Woods. 

Who has previously been in Heathers in London?

The original Heathers London cast starred Carrie Hope Fletcher as Veronica Sawyer, Jamie Muscato as J.D., Jodie Steele as Heather Chandler, T'Shan Williams as Heather Duke and Sophie Isaacs as Heather McNamara. When Heathers returned to the Theatre Royal Haymarket in 2021, Steele reprised her role in a new cast, which was led by Christina Bennington as Veronica Sawyer, Jordan Luke Gage as J.D, Bobbie Little as Heather Duke and Frances Mayli McCann as Heather McNamara.

What theatre in London is Heathers playing at?

Heathers is at The Other Palace, and will reopen the London venue. The Other Palace opened in 2017 and is typically home to new musicals, including Be More Chill and Amelie. 

What is the running time of Heathers?

The running time of Heathers in London is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15 minute interval.

Heathers 2021 (Photo courtesy of Heathers)

What songs are in Heathers?

Heathers features an original soundtrack, with songs including "Seventeen" and "Dead Girl Walking." For Heathers in London, two new songs were added to the musical: "Never Shut Up Again" and "I Say No." We've listed all the songs in Heathers below. 

Act 1

"Beautiful" - Veronica, H. Chandler, H. McNamara, H. Duke, Kurt, Ram, Martha, Ms. Fleming and Company
"Candy Store" - H. Chandler, H. McNamara and H. Duke
Fight for Me" - Veronica and Students
"Freeze Your Brain" - J.D.
"Big Fun" - Ram, Kurt, Veronica, H. Chandler, H. McNamara, H. Duke and Students
"Dead Girl Walking" - Veronica and J.D.
"The Me Inside of Me" - H. Chandler, Veronica, J.D., Ms. Fleming, Principal, Coach, Cops and Company
"You're Welcome"  - Ram, Kurt, Veronica
"Never Shut Up Again" - H. Duke, Ram, Kurt and Ensemble 
"Our Love Is God" - J.D., Veronica, Ram, Kurt and Company

Act 2

"My Dead Gay Son" - Ram's Dad, Kurt's Dad and Mourners
"Seventeen" - Veronica and J.D.
"Shine a Light" - Ms. Fleming and Students
"Lifeboat" - H. McNamara
"Shine a Light" (Reprise) - H. Duke and Students
"I Say No" (2018-present) — Veronica and Ensemble
"Kindergarten Boyfriend" - Martha
"Yo Girl" - H. Chandler, Ram, Kurt, Veronica and Veronica's Mom
"Meant to Be Yours" - J.D. and Students
"Dead Girl Walking" (Reprise) - Veronica, J.D., Ms. Fleming, and Students
"I Am Damaged" - J.D. and Veronica
"Seventeen" (Reprise) - Veronica, Martha, H. McNamara, H.Duke and Company

What are reviews like for Heathers in London?

Even though Heathers has not received any Olivier Awards, critics have praised the musical. In our review of Heathers in 2021, "Don't be fooled by this youthful cast and expect an upbeat show; there's dark turns aplenty in this sinister musical... To take a phrase from the Heathers themselves — how very." In The Independent's review, Paul Taylor praised the musical's ability to "wickedly trace a fine line... where the film's satire has been replaced by snark and camp [commentary.]"

How do I get tickets for Heathers in London?

Heathers is at The Other Palace from 25 November. Heathers performances are currently scheduled to 20 Feb. 2022.

Heathers tickets are on sale now. Book Heathers tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk.

Photo credit: Heathers cast 2021 at Theatre Royal Haymarket (Photo by Pamela Raith)

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