We’re totally buggin’—Clueless the Musical is officially open at the Trafalgar Theatre! - Review

By Jude

We’re totally buggin’—Clueless the Musical is officially open at the Trafalgar Theatre!

The West End has seen an influx of movie-to-musical adaptations in recent years, and it sometimes feels like the market might soon be oversaturated with reboots and reimaginings. And while I’m always skeptical about whether we need more of them, is Clueless the Musical worth checking out? Like, totally! For me, it’s a definite yes!

Bringing the iconic 1995 film (which drew inspiration from Jane Austen’s 1815 novel Emma) to the stage, Clueless the Musical transports Cher Horowitz (Emma Flynn) and her Beverly Hills high school world to a new generation. The show follows Cher as she navigates life as an upper-class teen, juggling her social status, schoolwork, and ongoing clashes with her socially conscious stepbrother Josh (Keelan McCauley), who disapproves of her lavish and self-absorbed ways. With her bestie Dionne (Chyna-Rose Frederick) by her side, the two take new girl Tai (Romona Lewis-Malley) under their wing, transforming her into the most popular girl in school—whether she wants it or not.

Emma Flynn absolutely steals the show as Cher. She’s a pure bundle of charm and charisma, effortlessly channeling Cher’s iconic personality while making the role her own. Flynn’s energy, combined with a megawatt smile that she sustains throughout the show, is a testament to her talent—she’s the definition of a triple threat. Keelan McCauley, fresh from his role as JD in Heathers, brings just the right mix of grit and heart to Josh, making him effortlessly lovable despite his initial disapproval of Cher’s ways. His brooding voice and raw emotion shine in standout numbers like Human Barbies and Reasonable Doubts.

Chyna-Rose Frederick is effortlessly cool as Dionne—sassy, confident, and always keeping it real. Romona Lewis-Malley, as New Yorker Tai, captures the perfect balance of goofy and endearing, making her transformation both touching and hilarious. The ensemble does a fantastic job of rounding out the world of Beverly Hills, bringing a host of colorful characters to life. A special standout is Imelda Warren-Green, who effortlessly juggles multiple roles—Miss Geist, Miss Stoger, Lucy, and Heather—bringing each to life with versatility and skill. Having first noticed her in Kathy & Stella Solve a Murder last year, I was drawn to her transformative performances here. Her ability to embody such distinct characters is a testament to her craft.

The musical captures all the most beloved moments from the film. Cher’s refusal to date high school boys (“Ugh, as if!”), her reckless driving with Dionne (“I totally paused!”), and Tai’s unforgettable insult (“You’re a virgin who can’t drive!”) are all here—bringing the nostalgia to life. And, of course, the fashion! Cher’s yellow plaid three-piece suit makes a memorable appearance, along with a lineup of other iconic looks. Paloma Young’s costume design captures the essence of the ’90s perfectly, while still feeling fresh and modern. There were so many outfits I wish I could steal!

Mikiko Suzuki MacAdam’s seamless and colorful set design transports the audience straight to sunny Los Angeles. Whether it’s the high school, the mall, Cher’s mansion, or the Valley, the set is perfect for the fun, drama, and laughs to unfold. The slightly over-the-top prop transitions add an extra comedic touch, bringing the world of Clueless to life in a playful and vibrant way.

The choreography by Lizzi Gee in this production is dynamic and integrates seamlessly with the scenes, adding an extra layer of energy to the show. The staging and movement never feel out of place; they enhance the overall vibe of the production. A special shoutout goes to the big dance number I’m Keeping My Eye on You—it’s a feast for the eyes, vibrant and full of life.

While the show originally premiered Off-Broadway in 2018 as a jukebox musical, this version features an original score by KT Tunstall with lyrics by Glenn Slater. The music is fun and always helps drive the story forward or reveal something deeper about the characters. The score is uplifting, rhythmic, and full of energy, though a few songs may lack the memorability of others. But regardless, I wasn’t ready to let go—the Clueless mixtape on Spotify was still playing in my ears on the way home!

It combines the lovable, ‘ditzy’ charm of Legally Blonde’s Elle Woods with the high school drama of Mean Girls and the peak fashion of The Devil Wears Prada. Clueless the Musical is a perfect homage to the original while adding fresh life to the stage. It’s a fun, totally buggin’ night out at the theatre. The performances, choreography, music, and visuals all come together to create an unforgettable experience. I’d enroll for another lesson in life and love at Beverly High in a heartbeat! It’s all that and a bag of chips!

⭐⭐⭐⭐