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REVIEW - MEAN GIRLS MUSICAL UK TOUR — A FETCH NIGHT AT MANCHESTER OPERA HOUSE

  • Mar 2
  • 3 min read

Updated: Mar 19

A group of six women in colorful outfits stand confidently against a pink backdrop. Text reads "Mean Girls." The mood is bold and empowering.

On Monday 23rd February, I headed into Manchester to see the first performance of the Mean Girls UK Tour at Manchester Opera House — and honestly, it turned into such a fun theatre night.


The show started at 7:30pm, but I made an afternoon of it. I got the tram into town around 5pm, grabbed some food from KFC in the Manchester Arndale food court, and had a quick wander around Primark before walking up to the theatre.


I arrived at the Opera House around 6:40pm, took a few photos outside, and then headed in to soak up the atmosphere before the show.


Mean Girls UK Tour At Manchester Opera House - Theatre facade is lit in purple with a "Mean Girls" sign. People stand outside. Posters advertise show dates: Mon 23 Feb - Sat 7 Mar.

Merch Stand & Pre-Show Experience

One of the first things I always do when I arrive at a theatre is check the merch stand (I can’t resist adding to my collection), and Mean Girls had loads available.


Some of the merch included:

  • Logo T-shirt £30

  • Wednesdays T-shirt £30

  • Doesn’t Go Here Hoodie £48

  • Fetch cap £25

  • Fetch beanie £25

  • Socks £18

  • Get In Loser Tote Bag £15

  • Pin £9

  • Magnet £9

  • Cool Mom keyring £10

  • Badge set £10

  • Sticker set £8

  • Sexy Compact Mirror £12

  • You Go Glen Coco Bauble £15

  • Fans £10–£18

  • Cast and film soundtrack CDs £22

  • Queen Bee book £12

  • Programme £6


I bought a magnet and a programme for my collection — which felt very on brand for me!


Mean Girls UK Tour at Manchester Opera House - Merch display featuring "Mean Girls" t-shirts, hoodies, bags, socks, hats in pink and blue. Neon lights add a vibrant touch. Energetic vibe.

Seats & View — Budget Ticket Win

Once the auditorium opened, I headed up to the Circle to find my seat.

I was sitting in:


Circle — Row Q, Seat 23 (£15 ticket)


This is right at the back of the Circle, but the view was actually very good. I could see the stage clearly, and I’d definitely sit there again. It also felt like that row had slightly more legroom compared to some others I’ve experienced, which is always a bonus.

I was in my seat by 7:05pm, so I had plenty of time to read through the programme before the show started.


Mean Girls UK Tour at Manchester Opera House - Hand holds a pink "Mean Girls" program in a theater. Blue stage curtain with "NSHS" logo visible. Audience seated, some reading.

The Show

Mean Girls is one of those films that I grew up loving, so I went in with a mix of excitement and curiosity about how it would translate to the stage — and it absolutely delivers.

The story follows Cady Heron, who moves from being home-schooled in Africa to navigating the complicated world of American high school for the first time. She befriends outsiders Janis and Damian, who introduce her to the school’s social hierarchy — including the infamous Plastics, led by Regina George.


What follows is a hilarious, chaotic and surprisingly relatable journey through friendship, identity and popularity, packed with iconic lines and big musical numbers.

The production itself is energetic, funny and full of attitude. The music has huge pop energy, the choreography is sharp and dynamic, and visually it’s bright, modern and constantly moving.


There are so many standout moments throughout the show, but Janis’ I’d Rather Be Me is a real showstopper that gets a huge audience reaction.


Mean Girls UK Tour at Manchester Opera House - Smiling woman holds "Mean Girls" booklet in front of a pink backdrop with characters. Text reads "The Broadway West End Obsession."

Interval Surprise

The interval was around 20 minutes long, and during the break I realised my brother was actually sitting a few rows in front of me — which was a lovely surprise — so I went to chat with him before Act Two started.


End of the Night

The show finished at around 10pm after a runtime of approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (including interval), and I left the theatre feeling genuinely happy — the kind of feel-good theatre buzz you hope for.


I loved it so much that I’m already hoping I can see it again before it leaves Manchester.


Mean Girls UK Tour at Manchester Opera House - Ensemble cast in colorful outfits, including letterman jackets, stands on stage holding hands. Background features a blue and yellow wall.

Mean Girls UK Tour Final Thoughts

Mean Girls is funny, nostalgic, energetic and completely fetch — a brilliant night out whether you grew up with the film or are discovering the story for the first time.


It’s one of those shows that feels perfect for a girls’ night, a theatre treat, or just a fun evening in the city.


And honestly… for a £15 ticket, it was an absolute bargain.


⭐ A fabulously pink, feel-good night that proves the Plastics still rule



Mean Girls The Musical will be at the Manchester Opera House until Saturday 7th March 2026. Tickets are available to book via the official ATG Tickets website.


For more information about the show, you can visit the official Mean Girls The Musical website.


If you’d like to read a more detailed review of the production, including staging and performance insights, you can find my full theatre review over on All About Theatre.




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