Reviews
Mean Girls the Musical
Mean Girls The Musical is at Bournemouth Pavilion this week — and there’s an extra reason for locals to feel proud.
Mean Girls The Musical lands at Bournemouth Pavilion (and local star Jack Rose is back in town)
If you’re in the mood for a big night out with laugh-out-loud moments, iconic characters, and songs you’ll be humming on the way home, Mean Girls The Musical is at Bournemouth Pavilion this week — and there’s an extra reason for locals to feel proud.
Jack Rose is back in Bournemouth. The local performer, who began his training at Leaf Studio School, has gone on to build an impressive career in musical theatre — including roles in Mamma Mia! and The Book of Mormon in London’s West End. Now he returns to the Pavilion as part of the UK tour, stepping onto a stage he performed on as a child — but this time, as a professional.
Clark and Holly: “What a show it was!”
Clark interviewed Jack Rose on the radio ahead of the Bournemouth dates — and then, on Monday, Clark and Holly headed to Bournemouth Pavilion to see the show for themselves.
It was a brilliant mix of perspectives: Clark went in completely fresh, having never seen the film, while Holly already knew the story. Either way, the verdict was the same — the atmosphere was electric.
The theatre was packed with excited fans, and plenty of people fully embraced the Mean Girls spirit by turning up dressed in pink.
From start to finish, Mean Girls The Musical delivered:
- Fantastic performances
- Brilliant stage presence
- Incredible energy from the cast
- All the songs fans know and love
Whether you’re a lifelong Mean Girls fan or experiencing the story for the very first time, Clark and Holly say this production is an absolute treat and well worth seeing.
“Get in loser, we’re going to Bournemouth Pavilion!”
Direct from the West End and winner of Best New Musical (WhatsOnStage Awards), Mean Girls The Musical brings Tina Fey’s razor-sharp humour to the stage with a full-throttle, modern musical twist.
The story follows Cady Heron, who’s been home-schooled by her zoologist parents and suddenly finds herself dropped into the wild world of high school. When she crosses paths with The Plastics — Regina, Gretchen and Karen — she quickly learns that teenage politics can be every bit as ruthless as the animal kingdom.
Expect:
- Iconic characters you’ll recognise instantly
- Razor-sharp wit and big laugh moments
- Killer songs and high-energy performances
- A proper “grab-your-friends” night at the theatre
In the Bournemouth Pavilion production, the cast includes Faye Tozer (Steps), Emily Lane as Cady, and Vivian Panka as Regina.
Please note: Faye Tozer will not appear on Saturday 6 June 2026.
Dates and times in Bournemouth
Mean Girls The Musical is at Bournemouth Pavilion until Saturday 6 June 2026.
Showtimes:
- Tue 2 June 2026 — 7:30pm
- Wed 3 June 2026 — 2:30pm
- Wed 3 June 2026 — 7:30pm
- Thu 4 June 2026 — 7:30pm
- Fri 5 June 2026 — 7:30pm
- Sat 6 June 2026 — 2:30pm
- Sat 6 June 2026 — 7:30pm
How to get tickets
Tickets are available via Bournemouth Pavilion’s official event page:
https://www.bournemouthpavilion.co.uk/events/mean-girls-2026
If you’ve got a theatre-loving mate group, this is the one to stick in the diary — and if you love a local success story, don’t miss Jack Rose’s Bournemouth homecoming on that Pavilion stage.
Blood Brother at the Pavilion
The emotional whiplash is exactly what this show does so well when it’s in the right hands.
Theatre Review: Blood Brothers at Bournemouth Pavilion
On Thursday 16 April, I went to see Blood Brothers at Bournemouth Pavilion Theatre — and even before the curtain went up, it reminded me why this venue always feels like a proper occasion.
After finding a space in the busy car park, we headed inside and made a beeline for the Circle Bar. It was our first time up there and, honestly, it’s a lovely pre-show spot: we were served straight away, there was plenty of room to breathe, and it felt like a calm little escape while most theatre-goers gathered downstairs in the lobby.
Then came that familiar Pavilion anticipation as we walked into the auditorium. The seating layout can be a little tight, depending on who’s in front of you. So, we were especially pleased that the seats ahead of us were empty — giving us a perfect view of the whole stage. It made the entire experience better… and what an experience it turned out to be.
I first saw Blood Brothers in June 2002 and, somehow, I’d forgotten what an incredible piece of theatre it is. What made this return even more special was recognising that some of this cast were in the show back then too, albeit in different roles, which added an extra layer of appreciation to seeing it again.
From start to finish, the performance was spectacular. I laughed out loud more times than I expected, and then found myself holding back tears minutes later. That emotional whiplash is exactly what this show does so well when it’s in the right hands.
Vivienne Carlyle (Mrs Johnstone) set the standard from the moment she sang. Instantly, you could feel the quality: the vocals, the storytelling, the authority of an actor who knows exactly how to hold an audience.
Richard Munday (Narrator) was ever-present, connecting each moment perfectly. He barely leaves the stage, and the show relies on that thread, and he delivered it with total control. I also have to mention his voice: rich, clear, and effortlessly commanding, it carried the story beautifully.
But the standout for me was Sean Jones (Mickey). He brought the comic relief with real ease, but what impressed me most was how he handled such a complicated character. There were beautiful vocal moments, genuinely authentic connections with Mickey’s vulnerability, and then those abrasive, dangerous flashes as the story darkened. Jones took me on the emotional rollercoaster from the beginning, and I stayed with him right to the end.
Joe Sleight (Eddie) was equally strong, and the impact of Mickey’s journey wouldn’t land without Eddie as the counterweight. Their dynamic is the engine of the show, and it worked.
While every cast member deserves a mention, a few stand-outs really shone. Alex Harland popped up in multiple roles, and I enjoyed every single one, especially his teacher(s), which were an absolute joy to watch. Gemma Brodrick played Linda perfectly, and Michael Gillette (Sammy) was a brilliant rogue.
Francesca Benton-Stace stepped in as Mrs Lyons on this occasion, and we were not short-changed. Her portrayal was uncomfortably brilliant, and completely believable from start to finish. Mrs Lyons is a complicated character, and Benton-Stace told that story perfectly.
While Mrs Lyons does have strong vocal moments throughout, a real highlight came in the finale. As Mrs Johnstone stopped singing to place the brothers’ hands together, Benton-Stace’s voice soared across the venue with pure emotion. I was grateful to hear that beautiful tone, even if it was only for a fleeting moment.
And speaking of hearing vocals: the sound on the night was superb. I didn’t catch the technician’s name, but I’m genuinely grateful for his contribution. The subtle moments were handled delicately. And when the show needed to hit you, when you need to feel that resonance in your chest, it absolutely delivered. The clarity was simply perfect.
The direction was slick and very clever, and I’d recommend anyone to see this cast tell this beautifully sad story. Huge compliments to everyone involved.
This is theatre done properly.
West End Tenors
They recruited local theatre school Big Little to showcase their talent
Theatre Review: The West End Tenors at Bournemouth Pavilion
On Friday 3 April, we headed back to Bournemouth Pavilion to see The West End Tenors and it was a brilliant reminder of just how much talent can fit on one stage.
We first saw the talented tenors at the Regent Centre in Christchurch on 20 February, playing to a sold-out house who appreciated every moment. The evening was such a success that, when they brought the show to the Pavilion, I took the in-laws along for a second round.
They didn't disappoint.
Our leading men were Adam Bayjou (Jean Valjean, Les Misérables), Michael Storrs (Javert, Les Misérables), Mark Irwin (Lorrrd, Choir of Man), and Joseph Claus (Piangi, The Phantom of the Opera). Charismatic, charming, and simply stunning when singing in four-part harmony.
The first half took us on a journey through London's West End, with hits from shows they have a real affiliation with. The second half shifted into movie musicals, with stunning vocal arrangements and faultless execution.
Don't expect a Mamma Mia! dance breaks in this show, but do expect strong storytelling from four very special performers. One of the things I loved most about this show was getting to see their individual personalities. You may have seen them playing a character in a West End production, but here you get the chance to meet the person behind the character. They came across as four genuinely lovely guys who clearly enjoy each others company.
The whole production felt slick and well-rehearsed, but still authentic. You could feel the emotion during the songs, and then laugh with the lads in between those bigger moments. That balance of personality and show-stopping vocals was spot on.
Just when it felt like the night couldn't get any better, the tenors brought out their secret weapon: they recruited local theatre school Big Little to showcase their talent, not only in the ensemble moments, but in their own feature too.
A real highlight was Spread the Love from Sister Act the Musical. I did briefly wonder whether a click track had been used, because the harmony balance and the cut-offs were absolutely perfect. I was assured it was 100% live, which made it even more impressive. I was sat amongst some very proud parents in the audience, and rightly so. Big Little's contribution elevated the whole experience, and I would have happily heard them sing more.
Overall, it was a fantastic night out, and I really hope The West End Tenors return again next year.
You can find their details here: https://www.thewestendtenors.com/