Heathers the Musical is back at Milton Keynes Theatre this week, and it’s as bold and unapologetic as ever. Now on its third UK tour, this high-octane, black comedy rock musical continues to defy the conventions of the typical high school musical, much like the cult movie it’s based on.
For fans of the original Winona Ryder and Christian Slater film, the bizarre premise might seem like an odd fit for musical theatre, but Heathers fully embraces its dark themes with sharp lyrics, energetic choreography, and a brutally witty script.
Returning as Veronica Sawyer, Jenna Innes once again brings perfect comedic timing and believability to the role, making her transition from nobody to somebody — and beyond — entirely believable. Innes’ portrayal continues to shine, balancing vulnerability and strength as her character gets tangled up with high school’s queen bees, all named Heather, and the enigmatic JD. Keelan McAuley steps into the role of JD with charisma, capturing the chilling allure of a teen rebel on the edge. Together, they create an unsettling but compelling chemistry on stage.
The new Heathers cast — Esme Bowdler as Heather Chandler, Sedona Sky as Heather Duke, and Daisy Twells as Heather McNamara — prove to be a tight-knit trio. Their performances are full of sass and attitude, with a chemistry that feels akin to a perfectly synchronized girl band. And a special shoutout goes to Amy Miles as the endearing Martha Dunnstock, whose portrayal adds emotional depth to the production.
As with previous tours, Heathers isn’t just entertainment; it touches on serious themes like bullying, teenage suicide, and the pressure to conform — but it does so with a quirky, dark sense of humor. The songs are packed with wit and energy, and the dialogue never misses a beat, ensuring that the audience is as engaged with the story’s brutal undertones as they are with its catchy tunes.
Opening night at Milton Keynes was buzzing, with the audience full of fans sporting Heather-esque outfits, reminding me of how this show has created its own cult following, much like SIX. The atmosphere was electric, and it’s clear that Heathers continues to attract a fresh, younger demographic to the theatre.
Ultimately, this 2024 tour proves that Heathers is still “very,” with a refreshed cast and the same sharp edge that made it a hit in the first place.
Heathers The Musical runs until Saturday 14 September 2024 at Milton Keynes Theatre
A Milton Keynes man has been jailed for sexual assault in Bletchley.
Liam Carter, aged 31, of Beadlemead in Netherfield, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to six years and six months in prison for one count each of sexual assault on a female and assault on a female, 13 and over by penetration, yesterday (5/9) in a hearing held at Reading Crown Court.
He was previously found guilty, by a unanimous jury, of the offences at the same court on Thursday 18th July following a four-day trial.
Between January and February 2022, Carter entered the home of a woman despite her telling him numerous times that he was not welcome.
Whilst in her home, he subjected her to two serious sexual assaults.
Carter was arrested on 1 February 2022 and charged on 24 March 2023 following an investigation by Thames Valley Police.
Detective Constable Lisa Bartram said, “It is a top priority of Thames Valley Police to tackle violence against women and girls in all its forms and I hope that this sentencing sends the message to offenders, such as Carter, that this behaviour will not be tolerated.”
“This was an extremely lengthy investigation but, thankfully, cases such as this are exceedingly rare and we remain resolutely committed to investigate them thoroughly, listen to and support victims, and bring offenders to justice.
“If you are a victim, or suspect someone is a victim of crime, please contact Thames Valley Police.
“We have specially trained officers who will always listen and support you.
“You can contact us via our website, or by calling 101, or by visiting a police station.”
Acclaimed F1 car designer Adrian Newey will join Aston Martin after departing Red Bull.
In a move that has been rumoured for several weeks, 65-year-old Newey will be Aston Martin’s new Managing Technical Partner and start a position with the team from March 2025.
Newey had previously worked for Red Bull in varied roles since 2006, and has been with the Milton Keynes-based team for all of their championships.
Before then, Newey also won championships with Williams and McLaren, with the Brit having been involved in a combined 25 Driver’s and Constructor’s wins, and he is acclaimed as one of the greatest car designers in F1 history, if not its greatest outright.
The Silverstone-based Aston Martin have not confirmed how long his deal will be, but multiple sources have reported Newey has signed a five year deal with the team.
Newey was unveiled in a press event at Aston Martin’s new headquarters, located near to the Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire/Buckinghamshire, with the event livestreamed by Sky Sports and F1 on their own YouTube channel.
Newey moves to Aston Martin ahead of F1’s 2026 rule re-set, with the team part-owned by Lawrence Stroll, father of Aston driver Lance, having already signed Honda as engine supplier after the end of Honda’s relationship with Red Bull. The team will also be opening a new simulator and wind tunnel at their Silverstone site over the next year.
In May, Newey confirmed he would be leaving Red Bull nearly 20 years after joining the team from McLaren.
In a statement by Aston Martin, Newey spoke of his excitement at the new challenge working with Aston Martin.
He said, “I am thrilled to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team. I have been hugely inspired and impressed by the passion and commitment that Lawrence brings to everything he is involved with.
“Lawrence is determined to create a world-beating team. He is the only majority team owner who is actively engaged in the sport. His commitment is demonstrated in the development of the new AMR Technology Campus and wind tunnel at Silverstone, which are not only state of the art but have a layout that creates a great environment to work in.
“Together with great partners like Honda and Aramco, they have all the key pieces of infrastructure needed to make Aston Martin a world championship-winning team and I am very much looking forward to helping reach that goal.”
A man has been convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent in Milton Keynes.
Daniel Tayerera, aged 24, of Down View Way in Chichester, West Sussex, was found guilty by a unanimous jury verdict following a six-day trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, which concluded on Monday (9/9).
Another defendant, Tyriq Alowooja, was found not guilty of the same offence.
The incident happened at approximately 7pm on 26 September 2019, when the victim, who was a man in his twenties, was stabbed multiple times in the upper thigh and upper arm in Serpentine Court on the Lakes Estate in Milton Keynes.
He required medical treatment, but thankfully survived his injuries.
Tayerera was arrested on 18 March 2021 following a long investigation and was charged with the offence on 17 April last year.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Mandy Banfield, of the Major Crime Unit, based at Aylesbury police station, said, “This was a particularly nasty assault, which led to serious injuries to the victim.
“I am pleased that the jury diligently considered their verdict and found Tayerera guilty of this serious offence.
“He will, no doubt, face a substantial prison sentence as a result of this incident, and I hope that this conviction goes some way to reassuring our communities that we will continue to pursue and prosecute those who seek to cause such harm using knives and sharp-pointed weapons.
“Through Operation Deter, we are relentless in tackling serious knife-enabled crime.
“Knife carrying will not be tolerated in Thames Valley and harsh consequences can be expected if you carry and use a knife, which is not acceptable under any circumstances.”
Co-defendant Tyriq Alowooja, formerly of Vellan Avenue, Fishermead, Milton Keynes, was acquitted of the same offence at the same trial.
Tayerera has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced at the same court on 28 October.
The centre:mk shopping centre has announced details of it’s Christmas Grotto as it returns for 2024.
Opening on 15th November and running through to Christmas Eve, the Grotto is the annual event at the centre:mk in the Middleton Hall that provides visitors with a taste of the holiday season.
As well as confirming the return of the Grotto, the centre:mk have confirmed this year’s edition will be themed around Norbert, who is the character of Santa’s newest reindeer.
Families are welcomed into Santa’s reindeer stable, where they can experience the story of Santa’s newest reindeer, Norbert, in a heartwarming, immersive adventure.
The centre-piece of the grotto will be Norbert, who is a reindeer puppet that communicates through his elf puppeteer and will interact with the children telling a special story of Christmas magic.
On their way to meet Santa, children will make reindeer food in the craft workshop to take home with them, before finally stopping off at Santa’s Grotto where they will have the opportunity to take a family photo with the big man himself and receive a gift.
The centre:mk have confirmed that the full experience lasts around 30 minutes, with booking options now available through the shopping centre’s website.
Tickets are now on sale and are priced at £15.50 for children, £6 for adults and £5 for babies aged one or under. All prices exclude 10% booking fee.
