Based on the 2004 big-screen cult classic, Mean Girls is a rock musical which introduces us to Cady Heron, a teenage girl who transfers to a public high school after being home-schooled her whole life in Africa.
I'm probably a generation older than most people who were fans of the film, but inquisitive as ever I figured it was worth a punt. The promotion and casting for this show alone was enough to get me through the door so it was to be hoped that the production would stand up to the hype and be worth the wait.
Mean Girls balances sharp humour and energetic choreography with a killer soundtrack and larger-than-life characters - and plenty of knowing references to the original film!
Visually, the production looks good, with Kenneth Posner's lighting design deserving particular praise. Bold colours distinguish locations and emotional shifts while also reinforcing an almost cartoon-like atmosphere for the piece. In fact it's the lighting which defines an almost concert-like spectacle during songs and punctuates the more intimate moments so beautifully.
As always, at the centre of the production is an exceptional cast who fully embrace the heightened world of North Shore High.
Emily Lane excels as Cady Heron capturing her journey from outsider to a reluctant member of the school's social elite with warmth and conviction. Her vocals are consistently impressive and in particular on songs like Apex Predator which suited her so well.
Vivian Panka was equally as incredible, taking on the role of Regina George - arguably one of the sassiest baddies of the noughties. As the undisputed queen bee of the Plastics, Panka commands the stage from the moment she appears, combining charisma, confidence and a deliciously sharp sense of menace.
We should also give an honourable mention to Faye Tozer who plays three characters...and switches between them beautifully, including a nine second quick change behind a wall!
What was also incredible to see was the audience response. From the opening number, there was a palpable sense of excitement - and an overbearing amount of pink - in the auditorium! Even through the silence, you could feel the anticipation for the references to iconic lines. It was the personification of nostalgia and commitment to the story.
It's also a story that straddles both extremes. Fans of the film definitely get what they're expecting, but even people like me who've never seen it can appreciate a relevant, stand-out story which still resonates as widely today.
Mean Girls is a confident, stylish and highly entertaining production - and every bit as fetch as fans would hope for!
Mean Girls plays at Wolverhampton grand Theatre until Saturday 27th June. For more information, or to get your tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk.
