A high-energy musical with plenty of laughs, sharp choreography and a message that goes beyond the school corridors.
Mean Girls has made the leap from cult teen comedy to stage musical, bringing all the cliques, cattiness and high-school drama of the popular film to Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre. And while this production doesn’t quite earn a place at the top of the rankings, there’s still plenty to enjoy.
Based on the hit film written by Tina Fey, Mean Girls follows Cady Heron as she swaps her unconventional upbringing for the brutal social hierarchy of an American high school. Before long, she’s caught up with the Plastics, the school’s most feared and fashionable clique, led by the formidable Regina George.
The performance we attended featured several cast changes, with Lillia Squires stepping into the role of Regina George and Fergie Fraser taking on the three roles of Ms Heron, Ms Norbury and Mrs George. And truth told, there were moments when the production didn’t feel quite as polished as it might have, possibly in part because of these late changes. Nevertheless, the cast delivered an enthusiastic performance, with particular praise going to Georgie Buckland as Janis and Max Gill as Damian, who brought bags of personality to their roles. Gill, in particular, was a scene-stealer, delivering his lines with impeccable comic timing and just the right amount of sass.
Sophie Pourret as the ditzy Karen, meanwhile, was another highlight. Her wonderfully deadpan delivery and hilariously vacant take on the least academically gifted member of the Plastics provided some of the evening’s biggest laughs. It’s a character that could easily become a one-note joke, but here she was played with enough charm and comic precision to make every appearance entertaining.
Where the production really shines, however, is in its choreography and staging. The dance routines are energetic, tightly executed and often spectacular, bringing a real sense of movement and excitement to the stage.
The set design is equally impressive. With much of the action taking place in the familiar surroundings of a high school, the production makes clever use of mobile scenery, with desks, chairs and other elements wheeled around by the cast to create constantly changing spaces. It’s a fluid, inventive approach that keeps the action moving and makes the transitions feel like part of the performance rather than interruptions to it.
But perhaps the most interesting aspect of Mean Girls is how effectively its central message translates to the stage.
Beneath the bitchy one-liners, teenage rivalries and exaggerated characters lies a surprisingly relevant story about identity, friendship and the pressure to fit in. The musical arguably brings these themes into sharper focus than the original film, giving greater weight to the idea that popularity isn’t everything and that pretending to be someone you’re not rarely ends well.
It’s a particularly worthwhile message for younger audiences, especially teenage girls navigating their own complicated social worlds. There’s something genuinely empowering about a show that encourages its audience to embrace individuality rather than conform to the expectations of others.
Of course, Mean Girls isn’t trying to reinvent musical theatre. Much of the humour is broad, the characters are deliberately exaggerated and the storyline will be familiar to anyone who’s seen the film. And while the songs and performances are entertaining, the production doesn’t always deliver the emotional impact or memorable musical moments that elevate a good show into a great one.
Ultimately, Mean Girls is an entertaining night at the theatre with a positive message at its heart. It might not be the most memorable musical you’ll see this year, but it’s funny, lively and has enough charm to make it well worth a visit.
And, perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that being yourself is always going to be cooler than trying to be one of the Plastics.
