Theatre

Heathers The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre – Red scrunchies, red flags, and absolute chaos | Review

It’s dark, funny, outrageous, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Declan Kelly Declan Kelly - 2nd September 2026

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 Raith
Credit: 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

Mamma Mia! The Musical at Leeds Grand Theatre – more than a jukebox musical | Review

Declan Kelly Declan Kelly

Mamma Mia! continues to resonate with audiences through its themes of love, identity and belonging.

More than 25 years after it first premiered in London's West End, Mamma Mia! remains one of musical theatre's greatest success stories.

Created by Catherine Johnson and built around the timeless songs of ABBA, the musical has become a global phenomenon, spawning countless international productions and two blockbuster films. Far from feeling dated, the 2026 UK tour, which arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House on Wednesday 17 June, served as a vibrant reminder of why this feel-good favourite continues to captivate audiences.

From the opening bars, the production embraces everything that has made Mamma Mia! such an enduring crowd-pleaser. Packed with beloved hits from ABBA's catalogue, the evening is overflowing with nostalgia, joy and infectious energy.

Image: Supplied

Classics including "Dancing Queen", "Voulez-Vous" and the title number are delivered with enthusiasm and flair, earning enthusiastic reactions from an audience eager to revisit songs that have become part of popular culture.

While the music provides the soundtrack, it is the relationships at the heart of the story that give the production its emotional depth. Lydia Hunt's Sophie Sheridan is portrayed with a clear sense of character, her mannerisms and youthful curiosity making her quest to discover her father entirely believable.

Image: Supplied

Opposite her, Jenn Griffin brings warmth and vulnerability to Donna Sheridan, balancing strength with the anxieties of a mother whose past unexpectedly returns. Together, the pair share a natural chemistry that grounds the production and ensures the emotional stakes remain genuine. Their performances highlight that Sophie's journey is not simply about discovering who her father is, but understanding herself and appreciating the family she already has.

Comedy is never far away, and some of the evening's biggest laughs come courtesy of Sarah Earnshaw and Rosie Glossop as Tanya and Rosie. Their chemistry injects humour throughout the production, with much of the show's lighter side relying on the antics and personalities of Donna's lifelong friends.

Image: Supplied

However, it is "Does Your Mother Know" that emerges as one of the evening's defining moments. Sarah Earnshaw's Tanya commands the stage with confidence and charisma, while Joseph Vella's Pepper matches her energy perfectly, creating a number brimming with playful humour and infectious fun. Their comic timing and exaggerated flirtation are executed with precision, allowing the audience to fully embrace the absurdity of the situation.

More than simply providing laughs, the sequence encapsulates what makes Mamma Mia! such an enduring piece of musical theatre. The number is staged with a sense of joy and theatricality that transforms a familiar ABBA hit but also memorable moments from the film we all recognise and love.

Image: Supplied

The audience's reaction throughout demonstrated just how effectively the show uses comedy to complement its emotional moments, and the chemistry between Earnshaw and Vella ensures that "Does Your Mother Know" becomes far more than a novelty number. Instead, it stands as one of the production's finest examples of how Mamma Mia! expertly balances humour, character and musical performance, delivering a sequence that is both hilarious and quintessentially entertaining.

Visually, the production retains the sun-soaked charm that audiences have come to expect. Colourful costumes, energetic choreography and the idyllic Greek island setting create an atmosphere of escapism, transporting the audience from Yorkshire to the Mediterranean in an instant. The pace rarely falters, allowing the musical numbers and quieter moments to complement one another seamlessly.

Beneath the glitter, platform boots and familiar melodies, however, lies a surprisingly poignant message. Mamma Mia! is ultimately a story about identity, family and accepting that life does not always provide neat answers.

Image: Supplied

Sophie's search for her father reveals that the versions of ourselves we think we need to find may not be the answers we are searching for after all. Instead, the musical celebrates love, friendship and the families we create, reminding audiences that happiness often comes from embracing what is already in front of us rather than chasing perfection.

More than two decades after its debut, Mamma Mia! The Musical continues to prove why it has become a modern classic. Blending iconic songs, heartfelt performances and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this latest touring production leaves audiences exactly as it should: smiling, singing and perhaps viewing the meaning of family a little differently.

Running at Leeds Grand Theatre and Opera House from 16 June to 27 June, you can get your tickets here.

Read more: A daytime rave where you can be in bed by 8pm is returning to Leeds

Featured image - Supplied

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