(Image: Mike Simmonds)
MEAN Girls remains the cultural phenomenon it was when it was released over 20 years ago, based on the amount of teenage girls watching the show at The Alhambra.
Many, including myself, went to Bradford on Tuesday’s opening night based on how much they loved the film, but how would that translate to the stage?
Fortunately, there is plenty to love, from the infamous Plastics to the fabulous outsiders Janice Sarkisian and Damian Hubbard.
Vivian Panka’s Regina George is just as icy as Rachel McAdams was in the film, but I think her sidekicks Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith get more chance to flourish on stage than on screen.
Kiara Dario gives us a greater insight into Wieners’ struggles of trying to impress her terrifying “best friend”, while Karen Pourret produces some wonderful moments of ditzy comedy as Smith, an extremely clever actress bringing an extra layer to her “dumb” character.
Kiara Dario (left) and Sophie Pourret (right) help elevate Gretchen Wieners and Karen Smith from their film equivalents. (Image: Mike Simmonds)
Max Gill’s Hubbard is hilarious, with a play-long gag over the wearing of multiple sunglasses a highlight, as well as a comical scene while on a mobility scooter.
Georgie Buckland has an impressive acting CV and brings all of that as Sarkisian, capable of switching between impish fun and devastated betrayal with ease.
Much of the latter comes due to the actions of our main character, Cady Heron.
Emily Lane captures her awkwardness and attempts to fit in perfectly, though it could be argued her singing voice is better suited to the world of pop than theatre.
But Lane more than plays her part in one of the best musical numbers the show has to offer, the ensemble for “Apex Predator” really delivering to show just how strong a hold George has over her fellow pupils.
Karim Zeroual is a born performer, the former children’s TV presenter having finished as runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019.
And as geeky “mathlete” Kevin G, he really comes into his own with his titular rap in the second half.
A massive well done to former Steps star Faye Tozer too, who balances playing three characters so seamlessly.
There were a few technical and acoustic aspects that fell down, microphones cutting out for example, though they can surely be put down to a few teething problems on opening night.
But if you’re looking for a fun, throwback-filled night at the theatre, you could do a lot worse than heading down to the Alhambra this week.