The Plastics have officially left the West End and taken their show on the road. First look footage from the highly anticipated Mean Girls UK tour has been released, giving audiences a taste of what to expect as the Tina Fey musical embarks on an extensive national run. The production opened at Manchester Opera House and will continue touring venues across the UK through to the end of January 2027.
What Is Mean Girls the Musical About?
Based on the beloved 2004 Paramount Pictures film that became a cultural phenomenon, Mean Girls the Musical follows Cady Heron, a teenager who has spent most of her life being homeschooled in Africa. When she finally enrols at North Shore High School, she quickly discovers that navigating the social hierarchy of an American high school is far more treacherous than anything she encountered in the wild. At the top of the food chain sit the "Plastics," a clique of popular girls led by the ruthless Regina George, and Cady must decide whether to join them, overthrow them, or find her own path entirely.
The musical adaptation brings this iconic story to life with a sharp, witty book by Tina Fey (who also wrote the original screenplay), catchy music by Jeff Richmond, and clever lyrics by Nell Benjamin. With its blend of biting satire, heartfelt coming-of-age themes, and irresistibly catchy numbers, Mean Girls has established itself as one of the most popular new musicals of the past decade.
Who Stars in the Mean Girls UK Tour?
The touring production boasts an impressive cast bringing these iconic characters to vivid life on stage. Emily Lane takes on the central role of Cady Heron, while Vivian Panka steps into the stilettos of the fearsome Regina George. Sophie Pourret plays the hilariously dim Karen Smith, and Kiara Dario takes on the insecure, eager-to-please Gretchen Wieners, completing the Plastics trio.
Georgie Buckland plays the outcast-turned-ally Janis Sarkisian, with newly released footage showcasing her powerhouse performance of "I'd Rather Be Me." Meanwhile, Emily Lane has also been captured on camera delivering the number "It Roars," giving audiences a preview of the vocal firepower this tour has to offer.
Fans of Faye Tozer, best known as a member of pop group Steps, will be thrilled to see her taking on the triple role of Ms Heron, Ms Norbury, and Mrs George. Max Gill plays the loveable Damian Hubbard, Karim Zeroual (familiar to many from children's television and Strictly Come Dancing) takes on the role of Kevin Ganatra, and Joshua Elmore plays Mr Duvall. Ben Oatley rounds out the principal cast as heartthrob Aaron Samuels.
The Creative Team Behind the Tour
The Mean Girls UK tour features direction and choreography by Casey Nicholaw, the Tony-nominated director known for his work on The Book of Mormon, Aladdin, and Something Rotten! Nicholaw's signature style of high-energy choreography and sharp comedic timing has been a defining feature of Mean Girls since its inception.
The design team brings considerable pedigree to the production. Scott Pask provides the set design, with costumes by Katrina Lindsay, who is well known in the UK for her work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and on West End productions. Lighting is by Kenneth Posner, sound design by Brian Ronan, and hair design by Josh Marquette. Musical supervision and arrangements come from Mary-Mitchell Campbell, with orchestrations by John Clancy and additional arrangements by Glen Kelly.
The tour is produced by Lorne Michaels (the legendary creator of Saturday Night Live), Crossroads Live, and Sonia Friedman Productions, one of the most prolific and respected producing companies in the West End.
Mean Girls' Journey from Screen to Stage and Back Again
Mean Girls the Musical has had quite the journey since its world premiere in 2017 at the National Theatre in Washington, DC. The show transferred to Broadway in 2018, where it earned twelve Tony Award nominations and became a major commercial hit. It went on to complete two national tours across the United States, cementing its status as a crowd favourite.
The musical made its West End debut in June 2024, playing to enthusiastic London audiences for a full year before closing in June 2025. During its London run, the show was seen by over 330,000 theatregoers and won the prestigious Best New Musical award at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, a testament to the show's crossover appeal with British audiences.
The Mean Girls brand also returned to cinema screens in 2024, when Paramount Pictures released a new film version that incorporated the musical numbers from the stage show. This created even more demand for the live theatrical experience, making the timing of a UK tour particularly shrewd.
Tour Dates and What to Expect
With the tour scheduled to run through the end of January 2027, audiences across the country will have ample opportunity to catch Mean Girls live. The production launched at the Manchester Opera House and is set to visit a wide range of venues over its lengthy run, though specific city dates are being announced on a rolling basis.
If the first look footage is anything to go by, this touring production faithfully captures the energy, humour, and spectacle of both the West End and Broadway iterations. The performances from the cast look sharp and polished, with strong vocal performances and the kind of high-octane choreography that Casey Nicholaw is known for delivering.
Should You Book Tickets?
Mean Girls is one of those rare musicals that appeals to a genuinely broad audience. Fans of the original film will appreciate Tina Fey's faithful yet expanded book, while musical theatre enthusiasts will find plenty to love in the catchy, well-crafted score. The show's themes of identity, friendship, and the perils of social hierarchies resonate with teenagers and adults alike, making it an ideal choice for a night out with friends or a family outing with older children.
Given the show's massive success in the West End, where it attracted more than 330,000 audience members and won Best New Musical, demand for touring tickets is expected to be high. If Mean Girls is visiting a venue near you, booking early is strongly recommended.
For those who missed the West End run or want to experience the show again, this tour represents the perfect opportunity. With a talented cast, a world-class creative team, and a production that has been honed through years of performances across multiple continents, the Mean Girls UK tour is shaping up to be one of the must-see touring productions of 2025, 2026, and into 2027.
Explore more musicals currently touring and playing across the UK, or browse our full list of shows to find your next theatre outing. For the latest theatre news and booking information, keep checking back on our news page.
Susan Novak has a lifelong passion for theatre. With a degree in English, she brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and drama to her writing. She also loves reading and poetry. When not attending shows, Susan enjoys exploring new work and sharing her enthusiasm for the performing arts, aiming to inspire others to experience the magic of theatre.
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