Mean Girls at The Bristol Hippodrome | September 2026
Posted on: 2026-09-09
Our rating:
Despite the four of them having the biggest 'heels' to fill, they smashed it
Mean Girls The Musical at The Bristol Hippodrome from 8-12 September 2026 reviewed by Gemma Przytocka
Mean Girls wasn't 'just' another teen movie released in the girly fluff era of the early naughties. It was a coming-of-age story that while lighthearted on the surface, sent a powerful message about toxic social hierarchies, 'girl-on-girl crime', and the desire to fit in - at all costs. With slang that entered our vocabulary and never left, one-liners that continue to live on, and October 3rd marked as its own unofficial day - it came as no surprise when it was adapted from screen to stage (and back again). But has Mean Girls: The Musical really hit the mark?
Well, 9-years since it premiered, followed by successful runs on Broadway, the West End, and now a major UK and Ireland tour, it's safe to say that yes, yes it has.
So given, 'I'm not like a regular mom, I'm a cool mom", it was only fitting that I take my daughter (a tween herself, currently navigating the complexity of secondary school dos and don'ts coupled with the occasional girl drama) to watch the show when it opened last night at the Bristol Hippodrome.
Running from Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th September, the show has been subtly adapted to address some of the dated elements of the OG to suit a new wave of Gen Z fans, without losing all of the satire that had us fall in love with it over 20 years ago. That, plus its slick dance ensembles and catchy numbers that were belted out by a cast of seasoned performers and up-and-coming musical theatre talent. Emily Lane captured the rise (and fall) of socially awkward Cady Heron into Queen Bee, and we watched as she was sucked into and spat out by the world of The Plastics - the fiercely loyal yet insecure gossip Gretchen Wieners (Kiara Dario), the adorably clueless and ditzy Karen Smith (Sophie Pourret), and evil in human form Regina George (Vivian Panka).
Despite the four of them having the biggest 'heels' to fill, they smashed it - I just wish we'd have watched the show on a Wednesday because we'd have definitely worn pink!
Is it as good as the film? Not quite. Is it worth a watch? 100%.
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Article by:
Gemma Przytocka is a Director and Co-Founder of Pear Tree Recruitment, a commercial recruitment agency partnering with employers across the South West. Passionate about connecting great businesses with exceptional talent, Pear Tree has been built on the foundations of honest relationships, local expertise, and a commitment to delivering outstanding service. Find out more at www.peartreerecruitment.com.
Away from the office, Gemma is a busy mum of two, with family life revolving around supporting her football-mad son from the sidelines and her swimming-mad daughter poolside. She’s also a self-confessed adrenaline junkie, movie soundtrack nerd, and avid gym-goer – doing her best to hold back the hands of time!
