There’s something wonderfully chaotic about Heathers The Musical.
On the surface, it’s a colourful high school musical packed with huge songs, outrageous characters, and plenty of laughs. But underneath the scrunchies, shoulder pads, and teenage drama is a much darker story about bullying, popularity, mental health, and the desperate need to fit in.
Heathers brought all of that glorious chaos to Leeds Grand Theatre... and, of course, how iconic it was to be performed on 1 September.
Based on the cult 1988 film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, the musical follows Veronica Sawyer, an ordinary student at Westerberg High who suddenly finds herself accepted into the school’s most powerful clique, the three Heathers. But what initially feels like a dream quickly becomes a nightmare, as Veronica discovers just how far the Heathers will go to stay on top.
Credit: Pamela RaithCredit: Pamela Raith
Enter J.D, the mysterious new student who offers Veronica an escape from Westerberg’s brutal social hierarchy. Played by Louis Hearsey, J.D strikes the perfect balance between charming outsider and increasingly unsettling presence.
His chemistry with Veronica creates the foundation for one of the show's most compelling relationships, before things inevitably take a much darker turn.
But this is ultimately Gerardine Sacdalan’s show. As Veronica, Sacdalan carries the production from beginning to end, effortlessly navigating the character’s journey from awkward outsider to popular girl, and, eventually, someone desperately trying to regain control of the chaos surrounding her.
It’s a demanding role, requiring huge vocals, sharp comedy, and plenty of emotional depth, and Sacdalan delivers all three. Her vulnerability makes Veronica incredibly easy to root for, while her stage presence ensures she never gets lost amongst the larger-than-life characters around her.
Then, of course, there are the Heathers.
Liberty Stottor, Jessica Ibadin, and Lou Henry make up the infamous trio, each bringing their own personality to Westerberg’s ruling clique. Together, they absolutely own the stage during numbers like 'Candy Store', delivering the perfect combination of attitude, comedy, and chaos.
Heathers The Musical is now on stage at Leeds Grand Theatre / Credit: Pamela Raith
The show's score is another highlight, effortlessly jumping between infectious pop-rock numbers, and more emotional moments, all showcasing just how varied the musical can be.
What makes Heathers so effective, though, is its ability to balance the ridiculous with the genuinely serious. One minute, the audience is laughing at the absurdity of Westerberg High, the next the show tackles bullying, isolation, suicide, and the consequences of wanting to belong.
It’s dark, funny, outrageous, and surprisingly heartfelt - sometimes all within the space of a single scene.
For anyone already obsessed with Heathers, this touring production delivers everything you could want big performances. And if you’ve never seen it before, you may well leave Leeds Grand Theatre wondering why you suddenly want a red scrunchie.
Heathers The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from 1–5 September 2026, and tickets available here.
Featured Image - Pamela Raith
Theatre
Fences at Leeds Playhouse – walls, wounds and what we leave behind | ReviewÂ
Leeds Playhouse delivers a powerful story about the walls we build.
August Wilson’s Fences is a powerful and deeply personal family drama, exploring race, fatherhood, ambition and the emotional scars that can be passed from one generation to the next.
At Leeds Playhouse, the strength of the production lies largely with its cast. Ray Fearon gives Troy Maxson a commanding presence, balancing humour and charm with a growing sense of anger and resentment. It is an uncomfortable performance at times, but one that keeps you invested in Troy even when his actions become increasingly difficult to accept.
Madeline Appiah brings real warmth and emotional depth to Rose, while Josh Tedeku captures Cory’s frustration as a young man determined to make his own way rather than inherit his father’s limitations.
Image: Supplied
For me, though, Act 2 is where the production really comes alive.
The first half feels comparatively restrained. That isn't necessarily a criticism of the performances or Wilson's writing, but having experienced previous Headlong productions, I went in expecting a little more theatrical imagination from the staging. There were moments where I felt the production could have pushed the material further visually.
Act 2 begins to deliver that.
The rotating set adds movement and energy, while the bright LED lighting works particularly well with the live music, creating a more heightened atmosphere as the family's tensions reach breaking point. The production suddenly feels more visually ambitious, and the design starts to work hand-in-hand with the emotional journey of the characters.
Images: Supplied
The fence itself is an effective recurring image, initially a practical task, but gradually becoming a representation of Troy's need for control, protection and separation. The more the story unfolds, the more the fence feels like a barrier between Troy and the people he loves.
There is a lot to admire here, particularly in the performances, and Wilson's writing remains as relevant and affecting as ever. However, I couldn't help feeling that some of the theatrical ambition found in Act 2 could have been introduced earlier.
Ultimately, Fences is a moving and thought-provoking evening, with a particularly strong second half. For me, it was Act 2 that turned a solid production into a genuinely memorable one.
Running until 23 September at Leeds Playhouse, get your tickets here.
The Ballad of Johnny & June at Leeds Grand Theatre – From Ring of Fire to heartbreak | Review
Declan Kelly
Johnny Cash’s biggest hits come to the stage, but the first act takes a little too long to find its rhythm
I’ll be honest, I went into The Ballad of Johnny & June knowing the songs far better than I knew the actual story.
Johnny Cash? Obviously. Ring of Fire? Of course. That famous black suit and unmistakable voice? You’d have to be living under a rock.
But ask me to tell you the ins and outs of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s relationship, and I probably wouldn’t have got very far.
Images: Supplied
So, sitting down at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Tuesday 15 September, I was going in pretty much blind, expecting some big country classics, big performances and, naturally, Ring of Fire.
And while the show definitely delivered on the music, I have to say to say that act one felt VERY long. There’s a lot of story to get through, from Johnny and June’s early lives and careers to their meeting, relationship, family life and the struggles that came with fame.
But there were quite a few scenes where I found myself thinking they could have been cut without taking anything away from the bigger story.
The narration was another thing I struggled with.
John Carter Cash guides us through his parents’ story, jumping back and forth through different points in their lives. I completely understand why it’s there, especially for someone like me who didn’t know the story inside and out.
But with such a huge story, incredible songs and two massive characters at its centre, it felt like the safer option.
Image: Supplied
I couldn’t help thinking that there was potential for a much grander piece of musical theatre, rather than relying so heavily on narration to move the story along.
But, then came act two.
And honestly, this is where the show completely won me back.
Suddenly there was more drive, more emotion and much more depth to the characters. Christopher Ryan Grant as Johnny Cash feels completely at home in the role. He captures that unmistakable voice and presence without it ever feeling like a simple impersonation.
And Christina Bianco as June Carter is brilliant. She brings so much energy and personality to June, but it’s her more emotional moments that really stay with you. Her solo before June dies is utterly heartbreaking.
Image: Supplied
It was one of those moments where the whole theatre seemed to go silent, and you could feel everyone completely invested in what was happening on stage.
The chemistry between Bianco and Grant is also a huge part of what makes their story work, while the rest of the cast all feel like they’ve been cast in exactly the right roles.
And then, of course, there’s the music.
I Walk the Line, Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson,A Boy Named Sue and, naturally, Ring of Fire all make an appearance. Hearing those songs performed live with the band on stage is easily one of the show’s biggest strengths. In fact, it’s during these big musical moments that you realise just how much potential this story has.
I just wanted more of that in Act One.Â
By the time the curtain came down, though, I had gone from knowing Johnny Cash for a handful of songs to understanding much more about the man, June and the story behind the music.
The Ballad of Johnny & June is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 15 September until Saturday 19 September 2026. Tickets are available here.
Declan Kelly -
2nd September 2026 
