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

Trigger warnings are a hard one for me while I don't personally care for them as I like the elements of surprise to move me emotionally or however they might affect me. Next to normal has very cleverly not explicitly said what the show is about but strongly encourages you to look at the warning if your concerned (I haven't worded that well).

On the other hand my friend would be very traumatised in the scene with Veronica due to a situation that she found herself in even Halloween decorations have set her into a bad way before so I do see their importance.

I've only managed to see the current cast eight times, so hoping to fit in two more visits before this leaves @sohoplace.

There have been some excellent Veronicas and some excellent JDs, but it's very rare you get a Veronica and JD who fit so perfectly together. Alissa and Ben were one such pairing. Jenna and Keelan are another.

One thing I love about Keelan is how he plays JD differently every time. Like many others, I've "done the double" on a Friday with the 5pm and 8:30pm performance. That is an incredibly tight turnaround for the cast. For me, it's just enough time to walk to Lidl, take advantage of the bakery reductions, perhaps even grab a cheeky can of G&T, then walk back and join the second performance. So much depends on the audience as well. The two times I've been to both Friday performances, I've seen one really enthusiastic crowd, one quiet crowd, but it's been the different way around each time.

I'm not as good with the late finish as I used to be though. I do hope the cast aren't stage dooring after 11pm at night.

This has sold very well, with many performances sold out, and it's tough to get a reasonably priced ticket. I would be shocked if this doesn't return after the current tour. It's easily the best selling production @sohoplace has ever had.

I did get lucky earlier in the week with a £25 ticket in prime Stalls position appearing an hour before the show (it had previously been sold out). Apart from taking far too long to get the site to accept my address, I was still able to jump on the Central line. I don't think I've ever had such a clear view. On Thursday night, I saw this with a heavily discounted TodayTix Drop ticket, right at the extreme end of the back row of the Stalls, but I got to see things that are just impossible in any other seat, such as the front of the cast during Dead Gay Son. Can't complain.

Fingers crossed for next week!

Generally front row within touching distance. Occasionally further back. There was a front row Steve who got the nicest ever put downs, repeated in the second show, who I presume must have been partner or husband. Also one sat further back at the side who refused to engage at all. But generally, all very good natured ribbing.

If you’re worried about being picked, do shave your beard, as a certain joke has made into almost every show I’ve seen!

Is this cast going on tour with this in a few weeks?

Heathers tonight and they’re now on the third extra song from the interval CD I thought I knew off by heart, so you can tell something is wrong!

It’s just been announced that there’s a technical issue.

Ivan is on as JD!

I’m sat on the First Balcony for the first time ever, which would be a clear view if it weren’t for the leaners. The leg room is tight too. Lots of people taking inspiration from Candy Store.

It wasn’t the smoothest show of all time, but still as enjoyable as always. The person next to me, I’m rather surprised didn’t drop their rings or bracelets onto the people below with how far out their arms were and how much they were playing with their jewellery.

Ivan did great. I wouldn’t want to meet him (as JD) in a dark alley. His tattoos fit perfectly for JD as well. A JD with a hint of a South American accent, but he had to move a lot! Jenna forced him to take the last bow as well.

Ben Fenwick was on as Kurt as well. I saw his Roger twice earlier in the year, so very glad to see him getting a lead role. He was so keen to get his clothes off that Jason missed a whole line. There were a few new versions of lines all around with people on in different tracks, but everyone did well. And there I was thinking that they were going to get through the whole London run without the covers getting a chance.

Going tonight wasn’t the original plan as I also went yesterday, but glad I took the opportunity. Both shows on Saturday are already sold out! I may get back, but if not, I’ll catch the tour in Windsor.

Yes, £89.50 (direct) tickets available for both shows tomorrow. That’s outside my budget, but I’ll see what happens with matinee options. I have found myself back several times this week, including both shows today, but that took a lot of checking all day to get Rush tickets. Rewarded though as the awesome May Tether is on as Veronica. So expressive. It’s like the good old days where they’re way down on ensemble members but you’d never know!

Fate aligned so I’m completing the rare activity of seeing the same show three times in 24 hours! Full cast this afternoon. I really won’t be there this evening though as I have another commitment.

A great audience. Just the right level of enthusiasm without being overpowering. I’m trying to avoid watching the audience though. So many regulars and little things they react to. They probably think the same about me. Funnily enough, as I started writing this, the people behind me started talking about audience watching as well! I presume they’re actors based on the conversation but I haven’t turned round to check.

Lots of ad-libs too.

Hope anyone attending tonight enjoys. I’ll await the tour. Has there been an announcement yet about if this full cast is going on tour? The lady I was sat next to me yesterday (very nice, like all the audience) asked me and I realised I wasn’t sure.

I had a friend there this afternoon and she messaged me saying that May was on, I was so jealous! Never seen her Veronica and I've been dying to do so!