Mean Girls - musical review

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As another cult classic takes to the stage again after its Broadway and West End success, the hotly anticipated UK tour of Mean Girls has begun, with a fierce cast in tow, looking so 'fetch'. From being homeschooled in Kenya, to the culture shock that is American highschool, Cady Heron, is in for a ride.

Shaping the part, Emily Lane wonderfully becomes the bewildered student as she becomes submerged in the cliquey world now surrounding her. Telling the cautionary tale, while being the most iconic best friends you'll ever meet, Damien (Max Gill) and Janis (Georgie Buckland) are all-round standout characters that give the best zest and flavour: whether it be grungy or flamboyant. Shattering any possible hopes of serenity, enter 'The Plastics' - those who rule the scene with their heightened status, untouchable by anyone below. Heading this clan, Regina George (portrayed exceptionally by Vivian Panka) leads people-pleaser Gretchen (Kiara Dario) and Karen (Sophie Pourret), with her 'creative' mind... Then, seamlessly transitioning between three anchoring roles, legendary Faye Tozer shifts effortlessly from Ms Heron, to Ms Norbury, to Mrs George, proving immense skill in the rapid switches and entire personality swaps with a change of costume and wig.

As for a storyline, there's no real distinguishing features away from the standard 'nerdy girl gets in with the popular group and it doesn't go as planned' trope - a wild sense of familiarity with some aspects of Heathers, in fact. For many who enjoy the ease of 'chick flicks' it makes sense to fall for a piece that follows this idea. However, the plot sadly seems as flat as the girls' stomachs, with it lacking dimensionality to bring much spark (besides Damien and Janis, who honestly steal the show, whenever they make an appearance, along with Joshua Elmore as Mr Duvall). Since Mean Girls is so well-loved, its clear to see why the musical is thriving and drawing in audiences, but it does bear the question whether the continued championing of narratives that reproduce the vision of skinny, 'pretty' girls, American school settings, focus on a girl competing to get a guy, bullying between divided social groups and perpetuated stereotypes may be stunting the potential growth of more radical, fresh British theatre.

Vocally and in terms of charactisation, this cast are ideal. With few songs that offer particular excitement, their moments to truly shine are limited, but 'Apex Predator' and 'World Burn' are fantastic tracks for this. The energy in 'I See Stars' is delightful too - it's just a shame to have to wait until the very end to experience this. Branded a comedy, the production is lightly humorous, but not particularly hilarious, besides the odd quip. Skating around on wheely tables becomes a frequent feature of the set design without major pieces, overall seeming fun and practical, though not drastically inspiring.

Mean Girls certainly has its reasons for being so popular, though on the wider scope of theatre, it no longer feels overly special. However, if you fancy yourself a bit of female hierarchy and a battle to the top of the social order, this one is for you - just remember, on Wednesdays, you must wear pink.