Clueless - A New Musical
Clueless: The Musical walks a fine line between staying true to the beloved characters of Cher Horowitz, Dionne, Tai, and the gang while infusing the story with the vitality and sparkle of musical theatre. The production delivers all the pop culture references, famous one liners and fashionable flair of the movie, while adding a new layer of fun with the soundtrack and choreography.
At the heart of the show is the iconic Cher Horowitz, played by Emma Flynn, who embodies the spoiled, self-assured and surprisingly insightful teenager with such charm. While it would be easy to simply mimic Alicia Silverstone’s portrayal, the actress breathes new life into Cher, giving her a musical theatre sensibility that feels both playful and sincere with the audience rooting for her every step of the way. Her voice is a perfect match for the show’s upbeat numbers, which range from peppy anthems about shopping and matchmaking to softer ballads that capture Cher’s underlying insecurities.
The supporting cast delivers equally impressive performances. Chyna-Rose Frederick as Dionne is a standout, with a sassy energy that practically demands the audience’s attention. The chemistry between Cher and Dionne, their shared snark and mutual admiration, is perfect, and their dynamic adds a layer of depth to the friendship that was a hallmark of the movie. Romona Lewis-Malley as Tai brings an innocent charm that plays well against Cher’s arrogance, and the evolving friendship between the two becomes one of the show’s emotional cores. Imelda Warren Green is great at multi rolling all her characters and the young fresh faced cast on a whole hit the mark.
Of course, no Clueless musical would be complete without a few comedic moments that take us back to the film's most memorable scenes. From the use of the iconic "As if!", to Cher's seemingly endless wardrobe changes brought to life by costume designer Paloma Young, the show delights in self-awareness, allowing fans of the film to revel in the nostalgia without it feeling forced. These moments, though tongue-in-cheek, don't overshadow the deeper themes of self-discovery, love, and friendship, which are explored with surprising subtlety. Lizzi Gee’s choreography is a visual feast, sprightly, sharp, and effortlessly in sync with the mood of the musical numbers. The ensemble pieces are particularly impressive, drawing on the upbeat rhythms of the 90s while modernizing them with more contemporary musical influences.
Ultimately, Clueless - A New Musical is a joy to watch. An exuberant celebration of the movie’s cultural impact that transports us back to the simplicity of the 90s and shows us how far we’ve come since then. It’s camp and cheeky with a surprising amount of heart, and whether you're a die-hard fan of the movie or new to the world of Cher and her gang, you’ll find something to love in this bright, stylish, and bouncy stage adaptation.
This show was reviewed on the 14th March 2025 at the Trafalgar Theatre, London where it runs until the 27th September 2025. Tickets available here: Clueless The Musical | Official UK Site
Review written by Sam Sadler
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Photo credit : Pamela Raith
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