Glasgow King’s Theatre
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The Mean Girls UK Tour arrives at the Glasgow King’s Theatre with a cast bursting with talent, sharp comedic instincts and infectious energy — but it’s also a production where the performances outshine the physical world they’re placed in.
With several notable changes since its West End run, this tour feels both refreshed and slightly restrained, creating a fascinating mix of strengths and shortcomings.
“High‑energy, hilarious and carried by a phenomenal cast — this tour thrives on pure performance power.”
🎭 What’s changed since London?
The most immediate shift is the set design. Gone are the slick digital screens of the West End; in their place are static backdrops, some of which unfortunately lack the polish and vibrancy the show’s high-energy performances deserve. A few images feel noticeably cheap, creating a mismatch between the cast’s professionalism and the world they’re performing in.
Two musical numbers have been removed, replaced by a new Act 2 song, “Blowing Up.” It’s undeniably catchy and pop‑leaning, but it doesn’t leave a lasting impression — more of a fun moment than a memorable addition to the score.
💗 Performances
Regina George — Lillia Squires (1st Cover Swing)
Squires delivers a Regina with a slow-burn impact. Act 1 feels a little stiff, and “Someone Gets Hurt” doesn’t quite land with the expected punch. But Act 2 is where she truly ignites — “World Burn” is fierce, confident and fully realised, proving she has the vocal power and presence to command the stage.
Janis & Damian — Georgie Buckland and Max Gill
This duo is perfection.
Gill’s Damian is a comedic masterclass — every line, gesture and reaction lands with effortless hilarity. He steals scenes with charm rather than force, and the audience adores him.
Buckland’s Janis is the standout of the entire production. Her performance of “I’d Rather Be Me” is electric: razor-sharp vocals, stamina for days, and emotional clarity that lifts the number into showstopper territory. She receives the loudest cheers of the night, and rightfully so — she’s operating on another level.
Cady Heron — Emily Lane
Lane charts Cady’s journey beautifully, moving from awkward outsider to confident queen bee with warmth and authenticity. Her quick change during “Revenge Party” is a blink-and-you-miss-it triumph, and she anchors the show with a grounded, relatable presence.
Karen & Gretchen — Sophie Pourret and Kiara Dario
Pourret’s Karen is a comedic gem — her one-liners land with perfect timing, and her solo “Sexy” is packed with charisma, sharp vocals and playful physicality.
Dario’s Gretchen rounds out the Plastics with emotional nuance and strong vocals, creating a trio that feels iconic, cohesive and genuinely fun to watch.
💃 Ensemble & Choreography
The ensemble is one of the production’s greatest strengths.
“Whose House Is This?” is a standout number — high-energy, tightly executed and wildly entertaining. The use of sofas as trampolines is inspired, sending dancers flying into suspended jumps that make the choreography feel fresh and inventive.
Throughout the show, the staging creates a sense of joyful chaos: sliding classroom desks, bouncing furniture, and movement that feels spontaneous yet perfectly controlled. It’s the kind of choreography that makes you want to join in — the cast look like they’re genuinely having fun, and that energy radiates into the audience.
🎬 Staging & Direction
The direction keeps the pace brisk and the humour sharp, but the production’s visual world doesn’t always support the storytelling. The cast elevate every moment, but the backdrops occasionally pull focus for the wrong reasons, lacking the dynamism and detail needed for a show this bold.
🥤 Final Thoughts
The Mean Girls UK Tour boasts a phenomenal cast, a hilarious and heartfelt ensemble, and standout performances that make the night thoroughly enjoyable. But the production design — particularly the downgraded set — holds it back from reaching the full potential seen in its West End incarnation.Still, with talent this strong, humour this sharp and choreography this fun, it’s an undeniably entertaining night at the theatre.
Written by Suzzi Hirst
*invited – tickets in exchange for honest review
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