Mean Girls

Mean Girls The Musical arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre with a confidence that matches its source material – bold, glossy and packed with attitude. Based on the cult 2004 film, this UK tour keeps the familiar story intact while giving it a contemporary twist, updating the world of North Shore High with smartphones, selfies and social media culture, which feels like a natural evolution rather than a gimmick. As with the original, it’s a sharp, funny exploration of teenage hierarchy, friendship and identity, now delivered with a pop-infused theatrical energy.

At the centre of the show is Emily Lane as Cady Heron, who brings a bright, engaging energy to the role. Her transformation from awkward outsider to fully-fledged Plastic is convincingly charted, balancing innocence with growing confidence as the story unfolds. The strength of her performance anchors the production, giving emotional weight to what is otherwise a fast-paced, high-gloss musical.

However, it’s Max Gill as Damian Hubbard who truly steals the show. With boundless energy and a brilliantly camp delivery, Gill commands every moment on stage, landing punchlines with precision and lifting the audience whenever he appears. It’s a performance that taps into what many reviews of the tour have highlighted – that the humour and iconic moments from the film remain some of the show’s strongest assets, often drawing the biggest reactions from the crowd.

Faye Tozer also deserves credit for her versatility, taking on multiple roles throughout the evening and shifting seamlessly between them. It’s a reminder of the depth of talent within the cast, which overall delivers a slick and committed performance. Supporting players, particularly those portraying the Plastics, bring the expected glamour and bite, helping to recreate the instantly recognisable dynamic at the heart of the story.

Visually, the production is vibrant and constantly moving, with slick scene transitions that keep the momentum high. The staging captures the heightened, almost cartoonish world of high school drama, while the costumes lean into the iconic pink-heavy aesthetic fans will expect. Musically, the show blends pop-style numbers with theatrical storytelling, delivering plenty of energy, even if – as some critics have noted – the songs don’t always linger in the memory as much as the dialogue and one-liners.

That said, Mean Girls knows exactly what it is. This isn’t a deep or groundbreaking musical – it’s a fun, high-energy night out that leans heavily into nostalgia while updating itself for a new generation. The humour lands, the pace rarely dips, and the audience response reflects just how beloved this story remains.

Overall, this touring production delivers a lively and entertaining adaptation that stays true to the spirit of the film while giving it a modern theatrical edge. With standout performances, particularly from Max Gill and a strong central turn from Emily Lane, Mean Girls proves that, even years on, being “fetch” still works on stage.