Theatre Review: Mean Girls, Bristol Hippodrome
Rating: ★★★★
Running Dates: Tuesday 8th September - Saturday 12th September 2026
Where to see it: Bristol Hippodrome
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes (incl. interval)
Photography by Paul Coltas
Review
Mean Girls is SO fetch!
Based on the famous 2004 movie, The Plastics are brought to life with songs written by Nell Benjamin and Jeff Richmond. Filled with sass, laughter, and love, this musical brings a world of cliques and comedy to the stage.
In the world of Queen Bees and Wannabes, there’s the “Apex Predator” Regina (Vivian Panka), leader of The Plastics, her fellow plastics, Gretchen (Kiara Dario) and Karen (Sophie Pourret) and home-schooled Cady (Emily Lane). Being new to high school, Cady quickly learns about social hierarchy and rules. There, she meets ‘The Plastics’ who are ruthless and sit on top of the high school hierarchy.
However, one day Regina decides to invite Cady to The Plastics, and this is when Cady forms a revenge plan with friends. Cady learns to camouflage by wearing pink on Wednesdays and writing in the savage burn book. Things get complicated when she becomes “Stupid with Love” over Regina’s ex. The question is, can she stay loyal to her true friends?
Photography by Paul Coltas
The comedic brilliance of Georgie Buckland and Max Gill as Janice and Damian open the show with lots of laughs followed by just over two hours of energy, laughs, catchy songs and lots of confetti!
Throughout the show there is a mix of songs form fun and upbeat to slower and more meaningful and the cast voice were amazing, especially Regina and Cady who both sole the show and encapsuled their characters perfectly.
The stage was exciting and eye catching and transitions through each were completely seamless, even with multiple costumes changes during scenes. It would be remiss not to mention Jennifer Ellison whose performance as Cady’s mum, Ms Norbury the teacher and of course, the hilarious Mrs George was no one to forget.
Photography by Paul Coltas
One of the most meaningful aspects of Mean Girls is that beneath the humour and catchy songs, the story explores the pressure to fit in and the consequences of changing yourself to be accepted.
Ultimately, Mean Girls encourages the audience to think about how small acts of kindness can be more powerful than popularity.
Stand Out Quote or Moment: When Cady finally realises how much she has changed in her attempt to become popular. This moment is particularly powerful because it shows the deeper message of Mean Girls: fitting in should never come at the cost of losing your identity or hurting others. It makes the audience reflect on how easily people can become influenced by the pressure to be accepted.
See If: You love the movie and a fun girls’ night out!
Last Impression: The show leaves a lasting impression by showing that being popular does not necessarily make you happy, and that true confidence comes from accepting and celebrating who you are.
Similar Musicals: Legally Blonde, Heathers
Written by Jessica Kan and Emily Dennis-Huille
Disclaimer: These tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review