They call us crazy. They call us mad. They call us insane. They call us Corn Nuts.

Nobody could quite believe the reception Heathers the Musical got when it first opened at The Other Palace theatre in June of this year. The cast likened the atmosphere to that of a rock concert and exclaimed how they had never experienced anything like it before. Unaffected by the craze, people called fans crazy and didn’t understand the hype, despite so many raving reviews. “It’s just screaming teenagers,” they said. “I can’t even hear the actors sing, it’s so loud in there,” they cried. Heathers the Musical went through a lot in its short time in London. But damn, was it one hell of a ride.

From June – August the show ran at The Other Palace. A small, intimate setting where night after night the theatre would be crammed with ‘Corn Nuts’ incredibly passionate fans of the show who had waited forever to catch a glimpse of the production with their own eyes. From there, Heathers transferred into London’s very own West End, and made the Theatre Royal Haymarket their home from September 3rd – November 24th, a bigger theatre with more of a traditional setting. But boy, did they make it something.

Closing night of Heathers the Musical is a night I will never ever forget. It by far was one of the most heartbreaking days of my life and thinking about it still breaks my heart a little. But after seeing the show so many times over its astounding 12 week run, who could blame a girl for crying her little heart out?

I never expected this show to have anywhere near as big an effect on me as it has done, but I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Moving to London on September 15th 2018 was one of the most terrifying things I have ever done and to be honest, it still doesn’t even feel real. Mostly because the last twelve weeks have been a blur. But in the very best way. I saw Heathers three days after moving to London. But on that day, I had no idea that sitting inside that theatre listening to the preshow playlist and having the time of my life would become a weekly occurrence. Nor did I ever dream of the friends, experiences and memories that would come along with it. Over 12 weeks of Heathers being at the Theatre Royal Haymarket, I’ve experienced some incredible things. I’ve tried things I never dreamed I would. I’ve had the opportunity to meet, speak to and thank some of the most incredibly talented cast members I’ve ever seen perform. In the last twelve weeks I’ve found a part of myself that, quite frankly, I had no idea existed until this show became such a big part of my life. Most importantly, though, I have made the most incredible friends any person could hope to be lucky enough to have, ones who I hope and pray will be with me forever. You know who you are guys and I really hope you know that you’re stuck with me, so here’s your opportunity to get out before it’s too late.

I couldn’t have possibly imagined a better way to spend the last twelve weeks of my life. I’ve seen my role model perform on stage every single week, sometimes more than once a week. Seen her fight through illness she didn’t even know she had and STILL have the voice of a real life angel. I’ve seen ensemble members take on leading roles, seen best friends take joint cover roles and be more proud of each other than words can say. I’ve spent more time in Piccadilly/Central London than I ever thought was humanly possible. I’ve ran around London in all weathers in attempts to get last minute tickets when an hour previous I would have had no plans to see the show. I’ve spent more time with friends I’ve known two months than I think I have with my family in the past year. I’ve camped on the streets of central london in freezing temperatures, just for front row tickets. And I can genuinely say I’ve never laughed so much in all my life.

Saying goodbye to Heathers was harder than I ever, EVER expected it to be. I moved to London with plans to see the show once or even maybe twice, and came out the other side having seen it 13 times and having gained more than I could have ever wished for. Closing night had me crying before the show even began, all throughout the show, and hysterical during curtain call. So much so that the cast kept looking at me, the absolute mess, in the front row, and were all laughing at my ruined makeup and hugging me at stage door.

It is pretty much confirmed that the show will be back at some point. But for me, as much as I love the show. It will never be this, and it will never have the same effect on me as it has this time round.

Putting it simply without meaning to sound cliche: this show has changed my life. It has made every second of living in London worthwhile, it has made every penny of money that I really do not have worth spending, and it has made every waking minute happy.

So when people call us crazy, how do we explain to them that this isn’t just a show it’s OUR show. It’s our original west end cast. It’s our UK Heathers. It’s not just a show, it’s something that we invested our time, money, energy and love into, and when that gets taken away from you. It breaks your heart.  This show meant the world to us and the fact that its gone is taking its toll on all of us. But we’re so grateful for being given it in the first place.

Thank you, Heathers. Thank you for making the last twelve weeks So Very!