Review | Mean Girls | Manchester Opera House | 26 February 2026
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
We have seen a wide array of screen-to-stage adaptations over the past few years, particularly noughties teen films. With varying quality, there is an element of apprehension when a fresh reworking arrives on our stages. However, no need to worry here; ‘it’s not like a regular musical, it’s a cool musical.’
Based on the 2004 cult classic, Mean Girls follows Cady Heron (Emily Lane) who finds herself in an American high school for the very first time, having previously been home schooled overseas. Cady quickly befriends outsiders Janis (Georgie Buckland) and Damian (Max Gill) who help her navigate the culture shock overload that is high school. She is soon however inducted into the plastics, a popular group of girls who are equally idolised and feared by the other students. We follow Cady as she battles to cling on to her own identity in a whole new world of peer pressure and teenage angst.
A script alone can all too easily make or break any adaptation, especially one with such a strong cult following as Mean Girls. The book is written by Tina Fey, who wrote the original screenplay, so there was little risk of not getting it right here. Subsequently winning the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Book of a Musical, we are in safe hands. Fey’s hilarious writing successfully treads a careful line between nostalgia whilst the show having its own identity as a staged music. The classic lines are there and delivered hysterically from “you can’t sit with us” to “she doesn't even go here!” which the packed-out audience lapped up. Whilst some lines that are less appropriate 22 years after the film’s release have been omitted, others are injected perfectly into the score to add a level excitement, without simply replicating the film on stage too rigidly.
With music and lyrics by Jeff Richmond and Nell Benjamin, the contemporary score is perhaps the strongest element of the entire show. Filled with high-energy ear worms, the lyrics are not only hilarious, but heavily character driven with each song having purpose and never feeling like filler. From laugh out loud ‘Sexy’ to the uplifting pop-rock anthem ‘I’d Rather Be Me’ the music is fantastic throughout. As far as screen-to-stage adaptations go it is perhaps the strongest score since Legally Blonde back in 2007.
Emily Lane leads the cast as Cady with warmth and instant likability, with powerhouse vocals to match. Lane is equally matched by Vivian Panka who is utterly captivating as unapologetic queen bee Regina George. Her incredible rendition of ‘World Burn’ is genuinely goosebump inducing and real standout moment. It is however supporting performances from Georgie Buckland (Janis) and Max Gill (Damian) that steal show. From the moment they open the show, the double act has the audience in the palm of their hands, with their hilarious interpretations of the beloved pair alongside their undeniable on-stage chemistry. The entire cast perform with infectious energy with Casey Nicholaw’s lively choreography and there isn’t a single weak link amongst them.
Whilst set design is in no way groundbreaking, it doesn’t need to be and works well. The material and performances stand proudly on their own two feet, a true sign of a great show. This isn’t meant to be highbrow theatre, and it doesn’t try to be anything other than itself. Mean Girls knows exactly what it is, and it does it incredibly well; feel-good, joyous fun that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
Mean Girls plays at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 07 March 2026.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
