When you hear Mean Girls London, you’re not thinking about high school cliques in a movie. You’re thinking about the stage. The roaring applause. The glittery pink outfits. The iconic line, “On Wednesdays we wear pink.” - shouted by a crowd of teenagers who’ve just seen the musical adaptation of the 2004 cult classic, now tearing up the West End.
What Is Mean Girls The Musical?
Mean Girls The Musical is a stage adaptation of the hit film Mean Girls, with music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin, and a book by Tina Fey herself. It opened on Broadway in 2018, then landed in London’s West End at the Prince of Wales Theatre in November 2024. The show keeps the sharp wit, social chaos, and emotional beats of the original movie - but now you hear it sung, danced, and acted live, with a soundtrack that’s equal parts pop anthem and teen trauma.
The story follows Cady Heron, a girl raised in Africa by scientists, who steps into North Shore High for the first time. She’s clueless about American high school rules - until she’s pulled into the reign of the Plastics: Regina George, Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith. What follows is a razor-sharp satire of teenage politics, bullying, and the pressure to fit in. But unlike the movie, the musical adds new songs that dig deeper into each character’s pain - especially Regina’s loneliness and Cady’s guilt.
Who’s in the Cast of Mean Girls London?
The London cast for 2025 is a fresh mix of West End newcomers and seasoned performers. Leading the pack as Cady Heron is Amelia Greene, fresh off a national tour of Heathers. Her voice carries both innocence and grit - perfect for Cady’s transformation from outsider to queen bee to broken girl trying to fix things.
Regina George is played by Emily O’Hara, whose performance has critics calling her the most terrifyingly charming Regina since Lindsay Lohan. O’Hara nails the slow-burn cruelty, the fake smiles, and the breakdown in “I’d Rather Be Me.” It’s the emotional core of the show.
As Gretchen Wieners, Sienna Smith brings the perfect blend of anxious sweetness and deadpan humor. And Karen Smith? That’s Lucy Weller - she turns every line into a punchline, often without saying a word. Her physical comedy in “Sexy” has audiences howling.
Supporting roles are just as strong. Tommy Doherty as Aaron Samuels brings a quiet sincerity that makes his scenes with Cady feel real. And Chloe Kavanagh as Janis Ian? She’s the moral compass of the show - and her solo “I’d Rather Be Me” is the moment the whole theatre holds its breath.
Where to See Mean Girls in London
The show runs at the Prince of Wales Theatre on Coventry Street, right in the heart of London’s theatre district. It’s a short walk from Leicester Square tube station. The theatre itself is historic - opened in 1937 - and has been restored with plush red seats, gold trim, and modern acoustics that make every lyric crystal clear.
Performances are Tuesday through Saturday at 7:30 PM, with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2:30 PM. Sunday shows are not offered - so plan ahead if you’re coming from out of town.
Seats range from £35 for the back balcony to £145 for premium stalls. The best value? Rows H-L in the stalls. You get clear sightlines, great sound, and no neck strain from looking up. Avoid the very front rows - the stage is raised, and you’ll miss the choreography.
What Makes This Musical Different from the Movie?
It’s not just a stage version of the film. The musical adds layers. There’s a new song called “Stop” - sung by Cady and Regina during their final confrontation - where the whole cast freezes in slow motion as they both realize they’ve become the very thing they hated. It’s chilling.
The Plastics’ locker room scene? Now it’s a full dance number with synchronized hand gestures and glittery uniforms. The “Burn Book” is projected as a live animation behind the actors - and when it’s destroyed, confetti rains down like apology notes.
And the music? It’s not just pop. It’s layered with Broadway brass, electronic beats, and even a gospel choir during the final number. The song “A Cautionary Tale” - sung by the entire ensemble - is the closest thing the show has to a thesis statement: “We’re all just trying to be someone else’s idea of perfect.”
Who Is This Show For?
It’s not just for fans of the movie. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt excluded. For parents who remember high school. For teens who still feel like outsiders. For anyone who’s ever whispered, “Why do people have to be so cruel?”
It’s rated PG-13 - no nudity, no swearing, but plenty of sharp language and emotional intensity. Kids under 12 might find the social pressure overwhelming. But teenagers? They’ll walk out singing the songs - and maybe even texting their friends, “We need to talk.”
Tickets and Booking Tips
Mean Girls London sells out fast. Even midweek shows are often full. Here’s how to get tickets without paying scalper prices:
- Book directly through the Prince of Wales Theatre website - no booking fees.
- Sign up for their email list. They send out exclusive previews and last-minute discounts.
- Check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets - usually 30-50% off.
- Avoid third-party sites like Viagogo. Prices often double there.
- If you’re a student or under 26, ask about the “Stage Door” discount - 20% off with valid ID.
Group bookings (8+ people) get a 15% discount and free programme. Perfect for school trips or girls’ nights out.
What to Wear
There’s no dress code. You’ll see everything from jeans and hoodies to cocktail dresses. But if you want to play along? Wear pink. It’s become a tradition. Dozens of audience members show up in pink tops, skirts, or even sneakers. The cast even waves at them during curtain call.
And yes - they still do the “On Wednesdays we wear pink” chant. You’ll be asked to join in. Don’t be shy. It’s part of the experience.
What Happens After the Show?
Don’t rush out. The cast often stays in the lobby for a few minutes after the final bow. Some will sign programs, take photos, or just say thanks. You might catch Emily O’Hara still in Regina’s glittery jacket, smiling at a fan who just cried.
And if you’re lucky? You’ll hear a group of teenagers walking out, arguing about whether Cady made the right choice - or if Regina was just misunderstood. That’s the magic of this show. It doesn’t give you easy answers. It just makes you ask better questions.
Is Mean Girls The Musical suitable for children?
The show is recommended for ages 12 and up. While there’s no explicit content, the themes of bullying, social exclusion, and teen pressure can be intense. Younger children might find the emotional scenes confusing or upsetting. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level before booking.
How long is Mean Girls The Musical?
The show runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission. The pacing is tight - no dull moments. Even the transitions between scenes are choreographed to keep energy high.
Are there any special effects or projections?
Yes. The set uses LED screens to display social media feeds, locker combinations, and animated text from the Burn Book. There’s also a rain effect during the climactic scene, and glitter cannons during the finale. It’s not over-the-top - but it’s designed to feel like you’re inside a teen’s phone screen.
Can I bring a camera or record the show?
No. Photography and recording are strictly prohibited. Phones must be turned off before the show starts. This is standard for West End productions to protect the performers’ rights and the integrity of the live experience.
Is there a cast recording available?
Yes. The original London cast recording was released in December 2024 and is available on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon. It includes all 19 songs from the show, plus two bonus tracks not performed live. The vocals are stunning - especially Emily O’Hara’s version of “I’d Rather Be Me.”
Final Thoughts
Mean Girls The Musical isn’t just a nostalgia trip. It’s a mirror. It shows how the rules of high school - who to like, who to fear, who to copy - still shape us long after we’ve left the building. In London, this show isn’t just entertaining. It’s necessary.
It’s the kind of musical that makes you laugh, then cry, then text your old best friend with a simple: “Remember when we were like that?”
If you’re in London and you’ve got two hours free - go. Wear pink. Sing along. And leave knowing you’re not alone in how hard it is to be yourself.
