Mean Girls The Musical - Nottingham Review

Review by Elle
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

Mean Girls: The Musical is based on the nostalgic noughties classic Mean Girls, written by Tina Fey. The original film tells the story of home-schooled Cady Heron as she joins a mainstream school and navigates friendships, popularity, and a few questionable decisions along the way.

Kiara Dario (Gretchen Wieners), Vivian Panka (Regina George) and Sophie Pourret (Karen Smith). Photo by Paul Coltas

Following its successful London run, this touring production introduces a couple of changes while retaining the same flair, humour, and themes that audiences love. Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw for Sonia Friedman Productions, the show feels just as fresh and relevant as ever.

The cast is led by Emily Lane as the studious Cady Heron. Lane brings warmth, enthusiasm, and charm to the role, perfectly capturing Cady’s bubbly personality. During numbers such as Apex Predator, where Cady sings about the excitement and security that comes with being friends with Regina George, Lane delivers strong and confident vocals.

Serving as our narrators, Janis and Damian, played by Georgie Buckland and Max Gill, bring plenty of comedy and stage presence. Their performances of A Cautionary Tale and Meet the Plastics help drive the story forward while showcasing their charisma and chemistry.

Georgie Buckland (Janis Sarkisian), Emily Lane (Cady Heron), Max Gill (Damian Hubbard) and Company. Photo by Paul Coltas

The Plastics, Regina, Gretchen, and Karen, played by Vivian Panka, Kiara Dario, and Sophie Pourret, are funny, perfectly coordinated, and each enjoys standout vocal moments that are hugely entertaining.

Charlie Barnard plays heartthrob Aaron Samuels with a cool, calm confidence, while Karim Zeroual shines as the smooth-talking mathlete Kevin G. Both performers add charisma and energy to their scenes. Special mention must also go to Faye Tozer, who seamlessly multi-roles as Ms Heron, Ms Norbury, and Mrs George, bringing impeccable comic timing and infectious energy throughout.

Overall, this is a fetch musical for fans of the original film, combining familiar moments with modern updates. It serves as the perfect homage to the movie while successfully adapting the story for the stage and inviting a new generation of fans to enjoy it. Covering the course of an entire school year, it is also a show that feels perfectly suited to any time of year.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Mean Girls The Musical runs at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham until Saturday 7th November 2026. For tickets, visit https://www.trch.co.uk/

The musical tours visiting Sheffield, Edinburgh, Wimbledon, Birmingham, Oxford, Southampton and closing in Newcastle on 30th January 2027. For tour dates and venues, visit https://meangirlsmusical.com/

Emily Lane (Cady Heron), Faye Tozer (Mrs George), Kiara Dario (Gretchen Wieners), Vivian Panka (Regina George) and Sophie Pourret (Karen Smith). Photo by Paul Coltas