Mean Girls strikes a chord with a new generation

Naomi MacKay watched Mean Girls at Milton Keynes Theatre, which runs until Saturday 18 April.

The touring production of Mean Girls: The Musical proves that this sharp, candy-coated adaptation of the original movie from 2004 still has plenty of bite. Bringing Tina Fey’s iconic high school satire to stages across the country, it balances glossy spectacle with some strong messaging, making it both entertaining and unexpectedly resonant.

The set design is pretty basic, but the choreography is on point – think wheeled cafeteria tables and trays being used to create patterns reminiscent of the synchronised swimming segments in Esther Williams  ‘aquamusicals’ from the 1940s and 50s.

The costuming remains a standout, with the Plastics’ wardrobe delivering exactly the kind of exaggerated, aspirational style fans expect, and Janis’s ‘alternative’ wardrobe something to aspire to for alt girls everywhere.

But it’s the cast that is at the heart of this production – a stronger collection of singers, dancers and actors (or triple threats as they’re known in theatre land) you couldn’t hope to find. Emily Lane as Cady Heron captures the character’s evolution with nuance, moving convincingly from naïve outsider to conflicted queen bee. And Vivian Panka’s Regina George, commands the stage with effortless charisma and just the right amount of menace.

Janis (Georgie Buckland) and Damian (Max Gill) provide much of the show’s comedic energy, landing punchlines with precision while also grounding the story’s themes of identity and belonging.

Numbers such as the opening ensemble pieces and Regina’s standout moments are performed with impressive vocal power and tight choreography. But for me, only a few of them lingered after the curtain fell, which left me feeling a little ambivalent about the show.

It’s perhaps fitting that a couple of weeks ago, we were watching the Steps musical on the same stage, while in this production, Steps’ very own Faye Tozer proves once again that she is a fabulous comic actress as she takes on not one, but three roles.

What makes this tour particularly effective is its awareness of how the story lands in 2026. Subtle updates in delivery and staging acknowledge a more socially conscious audience without losing the original’s satirical edge. The themes of bullying, insecurity, and the pressure to conform feel just as relevant – if not more so – today. And the large contingent of teenage theatre fans in the audience last night confirm that it still hits a chord.

If there’s a drawback, it’s that the production occasionally prioritises style over depth. Certain emotional beats pass quickly, and a few character arcs could benefit from more breathing room.

Overall, the 2026 touring Mean Girls is a confident, crowd-pleasing production that captures the spirit of the original while embracing the demands of modern theatre. It’s funny, visually dynamic, and packed with memorable performances.

Online Booking: atgtickets.com/MiltonKeynes*

*Fees may apply. Calls cost up to 7p per minute, plus your phone company’s access charge.

Photo credit: Paul Coltas