Heathers: The Musical - TRH / The Other Palace / @sohoplace

It's not selling out as it was, however it's still selling well. and always looks to be doing a good trade at the bar and in merchandise. So it's the trade off between going with a show that is relatively cheap to run and a sure thing, if unspectacular, versus gambling on something new.

I also suspect that it will be pick up in the summer holidays, both with tourists and with people who are off school/college/university.

Now, personally, I think this is the kind of show where you run this for six months of the year, have it be very popular, then try out another show or two for the other six months. You could keep Heathers running for years that way. However, I haven't worked out the costs of bringing new productions in and out.

I feel that The Other Palace (main stage) is destined to host many of these younger hipper style productions going forward. I think The Dark Lord is in with a shout at getting a run. There was talk of Be More Chill going back in as well. An outside shot at Cheerleader and Eugenius, but neither sold well at the Turbine Theatre (if that's an indicator). But otherwise, Heathers just feels exactly right for the space.

After not having visited for over a month, I've seen Heathers twice in the past week. Tuesday evening was pretty full and Sunday evening was packed. People just aren't getting their phones out and filming at the end like they used to do, so I think that explains the lack of social media activity. I was on the front row both times and it seemed like many of the people around me were first time visitors, which surprised me a bit with the exposure this show has had, in London, on tour, and on film. So people don't really applaud or cheer at many of the memorable show moments like they used to do. I think I started the applause several times on Sunday when the majority of the audience couldn't tell if the songs had ended.

I have to say how impressed I am with the current cast. The previous cast had their moments, but just didn't have the energy the current cast has (especially considering Sunday evening is their fifth show in 48 hours). Lots of audience laughs and some longer pauses than usual, so the show went about five minutes longer than normal.

A warning for anyone travelling to Victoria. I walked down from Newsies in Wembley, which is tight time wise, but should get me there with about 10 minutes to spare. I hadn't anticipated much of Green Park and St James Park being closed off, one way systems in place, and lots of crowds trying to get near Buckingham Palace. So avoid that route if you can. It wasn't quite Marathon/Pride level challenging, but it's going to get really busy this week.

After never having seen a cover with this cast, I did get to see Georgia Anderson as Heather Chandler yesterday, in what was her debut day (second performance). She did great. Now they have the extra female cover, the stage never seems empty.

I think Heathers is pretty safe to keep running.

After seeing the show for a second time this Saturday I must say few things. Ellis Kirk is a great talent and I am sure there are many awesome roles waiting for him. His JD is kinda casual and very believable, his Meant to Be Yours is brilliant. When I saw the show two months ago I had a slight problem with Miracle Chance and her hyperactive attitude to Veronica and was hoping she would take her foot off the gas eventually. And I'm very pleased to admit she actually did. Her voice is still awesome and acting more natural. I honestly don't think she's ever gonna be my fav Veronica but seeing her is definitely interesting and pleasant experience. But most importantly, I totally love Katie Ramshaw as Martha. I've never thought Kindergarten Boyfriend could be the absolute highlight of the show but Katie is killing it in a way I never imagined. I really hope we will be able to see her in some fantastic role someday.

Had some time to kill before Gwen Stefani yesterday and realised Heathers has an early Sunday matinee (1.15pm) and is a short walk away from Hyde Park. Realised slightly too late for the rush sale but found a single £28 ticket in Row D on TKTS about three hours before the show.

And boy, was my spontaneity rewarded. Full disclosure it was my fourth visit to TOP for this show and second time with this cast, so I knew I was in for a good afternoon.

I enjoyed Miracle’s Veronica much more on second viewing (I liked her the first time but the energy took a while to adjust to after Ailsa). Her vocals are so impressive as well, I Say No is always worth the admission fee alone.

Elliot David Parkes was on as JD yesterday too. Very convincing and especially enjoyed how he let JD’s pent up anger and frustration creep into the usually more mellow Freeze Your Brain.

The auditorium looked maybe a third empty with most of the unfilled seats being in what I presume is the most expensive middle section. I don’t know if that’s just a Sunday matinee thing or not? I also noticed a fair few people turning up late, presumably because they thought it started at half past.

The company as a whole was excellent and I especially enjoyed Olivia Barnett Legh’s Chandler. She has really developed that character as her own after it stayed with one actor for so long previously.

Once again, the score and high octane nature of this show greatly appeals to me so it’s five stars.

I rushed on Tuesday for a sold out performance. This was George Renshaw's return to the role of JD (previously he was a cover for the role). Ellis Kirk has continued the curse of JD and has quietly left the show.

Kaine Ruddach has also been missing in action for some time (and was absent on Tuesday), but I see he's posted on social media that he's back, which is excellent as I do hope to see his JD at some point.

I'm pleased to say that everyone was on form. I've always liked George Renshaw and he has a pure voice. Some very minor timing issues, but I suspect those have all been ironed out by now. Great to see Elliot having a lot of fun in the background as well.

In the more unusual reaction category, the chap next to me had developed his own set of hand dancing movements for much of the show (he was also mouthing most of the script, but thankfully didn't sing along). I am glad he was enjoying himself, but it was a little distracting for me (and no doubt for those on stage as well, bearing in mind we were both in the front row, especially as the dancing didn't always match what was happening on stage). There was one awkward moment during Big Gay Son when the audience member audibly reacted to the reveal about 5 seconds before the cast. I don't remember that long pause usually being there, but whatever keeps everyone amused!

After the show, I nearly walked into a former cast member who was hanging around outside (I was slow leaving, so they may well have been in the audience).

I also realised this is where a lot of Newsies regulars go when that show isn't playing.

Anyway, do go and catch George. I'm glad that sales have picked up again. Hopefully, we'll hear about an extension soon.

For anyone who missed out on seeing Freddie King or for those who’d be interested in seeing him again, he’s doing a show at the crazy Coqs later this month. The one with Jacob Fowler was very good last month and I’m expecting another very eclectic setlist and conversation with Freddie

www.brasseriezedel.com/events/comparing-notes-with-freddie-king

I’d be interested to know if this is extending again. I certainly hope so.

I seem to remember it was announced very close to the ‘final show’ last time too.

Katie Pearson posted “one month left of Mac” on Instagram. Not sure if that means cast change or show closing but it was a month before the last ‘closing date’ that the extension was announced.

The evening show on 3rd Sep is sold out but, if it really is ending, there will still be the chance to see it a few more times when it visits Wimbledon for the final tour leg.

It’s a very beautiful day indeed

A shame, but understandable. There are a lot of other teen oriented shows ready to go into The Other Palace while Heathers has a rest. I suspect it will be back.

Kind of sad because I did want to see this at some point, but I don't know if I can get there before it closes.