Last Updated on July 14, 2025
Clueless on Stage: A Sharp, Stylish Dive into 90s Iconic Charm
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
En route to the Trafalgar Theatre for the press night of Clueless, I knew I was in the right place – the ‘90s had well and truly returned. A sea of tartan mini skirts, knee-high socks, and crop tops filled the pavement as fans fully embraced their inner Cher Horowitz. If there was ever a moment to declare something “totally classic,” this was it.
Bringing Clueless to the stage is no easy task. Amy Heckerling’s 1995 film, starring Alicia Silverstone, isn’t just a cult classic – it’s a cornerstone of ‘90s pop culture. A sharply observed teen comedy with an Austen-esque heart, it’s a film that has aged with remarkable grace. 30 years later, it’s been reincarnated as a West End musical. But can this adaptation capture the wit, charm, and effortless cool of the original, or does it feel, well… a little clueless?
Fortunately, Amy Heckerling returns to write the book, enthusiastically embracing the challenge of reimagining her iconic film for the stage. The result? Clueless: The Musical offers a surprisingly fresh, fun, and witty take on this coming-of-age staple, seamlessly blending nostalgia with an all-new rocking soundtrack.
Heckerling’s goal was to craft a score that feels like the ultimate ‘90s mixtape, capturing the essence of era-defining acts from Radiohead to Green Day to NSYNC. This vision comes to life through multi-platinum Brit Award winning Scottish singer-songwriter KT Tunstall, whose original score blends her signature pop and rock influences. The tone is set from the infectious opening number, Perfect, and later ramps up with Human Barbies, a Green Day-style pop-punk thrasher and more emotional numbers like Cher’s act one closer, Whatever. Meanwhile, Grammy winner and Oscar nominee Glenn Slater (Sister Act, School of Rock) handles the lyrics, ensuring the songs channel the same sharp, knowing wit as the film’s dialogue.
Set in present-day Beverly Hills, Clueless: The Musical seamlessly fuses ‘90s spirit with a modern twist. Inspired by Jane Austen’s Emma, the story follows Cher Horowitz, portrayed by American actress Emma Flynn in her West End debut, who successfully captures the character’s signature mannerisms and the quintessential wholesome LA girl vibe. Flynn brings a fresh energy to the role, embodying Cher’s confident yet endearing persona.
Cher is a wealthy, popular, and impeccably styled daddy’s girl who rules the halls of Beverly Hills High alongside her best friend Dionne (Chyna-Rose Frederick). Ever the well-intentioned matchmaker, she takes scruffy New Yorker Tai (a strong performance by Romona Lewis-Malley) under her wing, armed with a makeover and a mission. As Cher expertly meddles in everyone else’s love lives, starting with her teachers, the hard-nosed Mr. Hall (convincingly portrayed by Ryan O’Donnell) and the prim Miss G (an amusing Imelda Warren-Green), she soon finds herself facing the trickiest challenge of all: figuring out her own heart.
Hearts flutter when it comes to Cher’s former stepbrother, Josh Lucas – an ambitious, socially conscious, aspiring environmental lawyer. Keelan McAuley delivers an excellent performance, effortlessly embodying the charismatic blend of sharp intellect and laid-back charm that makes Josh the ultimate ‘90s heartthrob. A shout-out goes to the supporting cast, including Isaac J. Lewis as Christian, Cher’s potential love interest who, as it turns out, is gay; Blake Jordan as Travis, the easy-going stoner type; and Max Mirza as the arrogant, swarthy Elton, who adds an extra layer of drama to the mix. Emily Florence as Amber, the archetypal mean girl, and Rabi Kondé as Murray, Dionne’s boyfriend, also deliver great performances.
Rachel Kavanaugh’s dynamic direction of Clueless: The Musical, paired with Lizzi Gee’s electrifying choreography, ensures this musical bursts onto the stage with both energy and flair. The ensemble cast delivers strong performances, aligning seamlessly with the creative vision and bringing an undeniable presence to the production. Tony Award winner Paloma Young’s costumes effectively capture the ’90s aesthetic, weaving in the signature colourful preppy style and bold fashion choices that add both authenticity and cohesion to the show’s visual language.
Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams’ scenic design brings Cher’s world to life, opening in her dreamy “fairy princess” bedroom, complete with enviable pull-out closets that set the tone for the playful world of Beverly Hills. Much of the action unfolds against a vibrant backdrop of Californian sunshine, perfectly captured through Ben Cracknell’s dynamic lighting design, which enhances the story’s bright, carefree energy. The second act brings a shift in atmosphere as the story moves to a swing club, where the live band is revealed at the rear of the stage, adding an extra layer of energy to the performance. Meanwhile, clever set transformations, like sofas turning into cars, add a playful touch, while Cher’s kamikaze approach to learning to drive brings a humorous and chaotic flair to the unfolding drama.
If the audience is anything to go by, this show is a crowd-pleaser, and for all those Millennials, it’s sure to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Will it resonate with this generation? I can’t see why not, especially if you’re a musical fan – coming-of-age stories have a timeless appeal, and this one blends humour, heart, and a dash of ’90s flair in a way that feels just as relevant today. Whether you’re revisiting Cher’s world or discovering it for the first time, this production is a fun, smart, and thoroughly entertaining ride.
Trafalgar Theatre,
14 Whitehall,
London,
SW1A 2DY
Booking Until: 14 June 2025
Performances: Monday – Saturday at 7.30 pm & Thursday and Saturday at 2.30 pm
RUNNING TIME
2hrs 20 min (inc interval)
Tickets from £25 from Trafalgar Theatre: www.trafalgartheatre.com or 020 7321 5400
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