Heathers The Musical – Review – Leeds Grand Theatre
By Alex Crabtree, September 2026
A few years ago, I was taken along to see a show I knew very little about. My hubby-to-be and I grabbed a pair of tickets and headed to Leeds Grand. And from the opening blast of music of that show, I was hooked.
It was only quite a bit later that I actually sat down to watch the cult eighties film. Fantastic flick, but for me nothing topped the fun, dark humour, and energy of watching it all pan out on stage.
Fast forward five years, and I’m back here with my daughter Meghan now easily old enough to appreciate it – and maybe get an education in high school politics, (not all of it good!) it was time to watch it again. A second viewing for me, a first for her, and a brilliantly planned girls’ night out for Heathers The Musical.
“Incredible roar”
As we walked into the Grand, slushies firmly in hand, the place was completely awash with fans who’d turned out in their droves dressed in pleated skirts, blazers, and knee-high socks. I certainly don’t remember it being quite like this last time; and the merchandise queues snaked right up both sets of stairs.
It was such a good atmosphere, and you could just tell everyone was totally primed for Westerberg High.
The second the show started and Veronica Sawyer appeared under the lights, an incredible roar from the audience rippled through the theatre, followed by another massive cheer as the trio of Heathers strutted out in their iconic red, yellow, and green uniforms.
And for those who don’t know, Westerberg High is ruled by three impeccably cruel, scrunchie-wearing teens named Heather. Brainy misfit Veronica Sawyer schemes her way into their ruthless inner circle, only to meet charismatic outsider J.D.
When their rebellion turns lethal, dark mischievous comedy and teenage angst collide, forcing Veronica to survive high school’s ultimate hierarchy.
“Unpredictable fashion”
Right from that opening, the plot wastes no time getting stuck into the chaos. The show moves quickly, with each outrageous turn and every twisted punchline reminding us that Heathers pans out in thoroughly unpredictable fashion.
This was obviously a different cast to the one I’d seen before, but what a performance from everyone. Gerardine Sacdalan was fantastic as Veronica, and her powerhouse vocals were something else in ‘I Say No’. A true ‘wow’ moment, at a huge turning point in her part of the story.
Heathers The Musical knows exactly when to shift gears, too.
A complete silence fell over the Grand when Sophie Manners took the stage solo as Martha Dunnstock for a poignant rendition of ‘Kindergarten Boyfriend’, while Lou Henry earned a well-deserved spotlight as Heather McNamara with a brilliant delivery of ‘Lifeboat’.
Musically, you’re spoiled in Heathers The Musical. Meghan’s absolute favourite track, ‘Candy Store’, was executed to perfection by Liberty Stottor as Heather Chandler. Her movement, facial expressions, and comic timing were spot-on, leading the routines with sheer attitude.
Visually, the staging looked fantastic, framing the American high school look with bold neon, and versatile lockers that shifted between bedrooms, classrooms, and the graveyard. It gave the actors plenty of room to roam while lighting cranked the atmosphere up another gear.
“Emotionally damaged”
And the choreography stayed fun and sharp throughout, though the slow-motion fight scene between the two jocks and J.D. was a definite comedy highlight. Markus Södergren (Kurt Kelly) and Beau Jackson (Ram Sweeney) played the roles brilliantly, giving the story a bit of a lighter twist with their daft physical comedy.
While ‘Dead Girl Walking’ proved a real winner with the crowd, ‘Seventeen’ brought out the genuine emotion of the night. It captures that tender moment where Veronica and J.D. admit they are both emotionally damaged, with Veronica simply begging for them to try building a normal life without hurting anyone. Opposite her, Louis Hearsey as J.D. completely encompassed the role of the tormented teenager full of rage and violence, and he absolutely smashed ‘Meant to Be Yours’.
Meghan had spent the interval hoping Heather, Ram, and Kurt might somehow make it back into the second act. Lucky for her, they returned as mischievous background voices in Veronica’s head to torment her right through to the end.
By the finale, the whole of the Grand was up on their feet singing and dancing. Heathers The Musical delivered once again, and the two of us were singing to the soundtrack all the way home. Next time it tours, Meghan and I have already made a promise: we’re dressing up and going all in!
Heathers The Musical continues its run at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 5th September
images: Pamela Raith
