Mean Girls: A Riotous Night at Manchester’s Opera House

Mean Girls turned Manchester’s Opera House into a high-octane high school reunion where Tina Fey’s razor-sharp wit meets a cast so electric they outshine the score.

Fresh off an exclusive chat with Regina George herself, Vivian Panka, I went in looking for that “humanity” she mentioned—and the cast delivered.

Queue to Curtain

I queued up like it was a kids’ disco—young girls buzzing, mums corralling them, and the occasional relieved guy who looked a bit like me. Inside, the atmosphere was thick with excitement; theatre is a big deal, and the Manchester crowd was ready.

As a Tina Fey diehard, Vivian’s interview was the perfect primer. She told me her “end” into the character is Regina’s own insecurity. It’s a vibe that echoed the real-world cliques we all barely survived.

While the show is a good night out, it isn’t just fluff. Vivian mentioned the pressure of playing such an iconic role, noting that while she feels the weight of it, the creative team (including Tina Fey and Lorne Michaels) have been incredibly supportive—even sending the cast cookies and flowers.

Performance Highlights

A minor sound tech glitch hit the start of Act 1, but Janis (Georgie Buckland) and Damian powered through like seasoned pros. Vivian delivered a “vicious-yet-lovable” Regina exactly as promised. Her Act 2 rendition of World Burnwas a genuine “whoa” moment , made more poignant by Vivian’s take that Regina acts out when she “isn’t 100% good in her skin”.

Cast Crushes & Powerhouse Vocals

Faye Tozer is absolute comedy gold. Juggling the roles of Mrs. Heron, Ms. Norbury, and Mrs. George (the “cool mom”), she won over every age group. As Vivian mentioned, even her own mum—who flew over from Holland for the show—cited Faye as her favorite character.

As for the songs? While some critics label the score aggressively fine compared to the 2004 film’s raw edge, Georgie Buckland’s anthem I’d Rather Be Me is the standout heart of the show. It’s a powerful moment of self-acceptance that resonates deeply with anyone who ever felt like an outsider.

The Final Clique Verdict

Running through March 7, it’s pure “fetch” nostalgia. Vivian summed it up best: it’s a “high school feel-good show” that reminds us we could all be a bit nicer to each other.

Manchester, grab your pink outfits and get your tickets; this lot turns Mean Girls into must-see magic for Mix 56 fans!

• Tickets available now at ATG Tickets