“As if!” – the immortal catchphrase that once dominated teenage vernacular is back, this time reborn on the West End stage. Clueless: The Musical, the bright, breezy adaptation of the 1995 cult classic film starring Alicia Silverstone and a baby-faced Paul Rudd, has landed in London’s Trafalgar Theatre – and it’s serving up a heavy dose of Valley Girl nostalgia with a side of glittery satire. For an easy going night out on my birthday it was fun and light-hearted. Just what I wanted and needed.
If you were a teen in the ‘90s – or a mum of one -you’ll likely remember the charm of the original film, which cleverly reworked Jane Austen’s Emma into a tale of LA privilege, teenage matchmaking, and emotional self-discovery. The musical stays faithful to Amy Heckerling’s beloved screenplay, with Heckerling herself adapting it for the stage. This theatrical rendition is largely a celebration of the original’s wit, style, and heart, though the overall effect is slightly uneven.
The Plot: Austen in a Mini-Skirt
Cher Horowitz (played with peppy polish by West End newcomer Emma Flynn) is the reigning queen bee of Beverly Hills High. Fashionable, fabulously wealthy, and endlessly meddlesome, Cher sees herself as a benevolent matchmaker and makeover guru. Enter Tai (Ramona Lewis-Malley), the grungy new girl in school whom Cher transforms into the newest It-girl – though not without a few emotional casualties along the way. Looming in the background is Josh (Keelan McAuley), Cher’s socially-conscious ex-stepbrother with a penchant for moral high ground and, eventually, romantic tension.
The Cast
Emma Flynn is a delight as Cher – channelling the character’s iconic blend of superficial sparkle and buried vulnerability with surprising depth. She handles the comedy with ease, particularly in the hilarious scene where Cher awkwardly attempts to seduce the clearly uninterested Christian (played with campy finesse by Isaac J Lewis). Lewis-Malley’s Tai brings a bold vocal presence and distinct characterisation, even if the script offers limited emotional layers. Blake Jordan’s Travis, the sweet stoner, adds a refreshing touch of heart and gentleness.
McAuley’s Josh, while vocally solid, is written with an unfortunate smugness, culminating in the song Human Barbies, in which he criticises Cher for treating others like dolls. It’s a moment that begs for a post-Barbie film self-awareness but remains oddly trapped in a 1990s vacuum.
Of course, the biggest charm of the original movie was Paul Rudd, so obviously without him, half of the jokes do not work as well with anybody else.
The Music
KT Tunstall’s original score is a mixed bag – though there are moments that truly sparkle. Reasonable Doubts, an ensemble number exploring teen jealousy, and I’m Keeping an Eye on You, where Josh shows up at a school dance to protect Cher, stand out as dynamic and fun. However, many other numbers serve more as musical exposition than moments of emotional or comedic crescendo. Glenn Slater’s lyrics explain the story, and several tunes seem to be searching for the punchiness that defines great musical theatre hits.
The Staging
Rachel Kavanaugh’s direction is interesting but not particularly bold. The show’s physical staging is relatively modest for a West End production, although Mikiko Suzuki MacAdams’s set design earns praise for its inventive touches. I love the Sofas that become cars, the LA skyline that morphs through colour and light, and 90s props brick-sized mobile phones, Walkmans, and pagers – add a hit of nostalgia without overpowering the story.
Nostalgia Factor
There’s no denying the show is a treat for fans of the original film. It ticks all the boxes – popular lines, fashion nods, and the sunny optimism that made Clueless a comfort watch. However, it seldom goes beyond fan service to truly reimagine or deepen its characters. The cultural references remain fixed in the ‘90s without the contemporary winks that would make them feel fresh. Given the richness of the Austen source material and the film’s satirical edge, one might expect a few more surprises.
The Verdict
Clueless: The Musical is a sugar-coated romp with bursts of brilliance, anchored by strong performances and a smart sense of style. It succeeds as a feel-good night out, particularly for anyone who came of age in the 90s and remembers the thrill of a platform heel and a debate on immigration policy delivered in mall-chic attire.
But beneath the glitter and gloss, this version lacks the sharper bite and inventive flair of more ambitious West End musicals. It plays it safe, by focusing on nostalgia rather than reimagining its source material for a new era.
Still, for mums who loved the film – or mums with teens eager for a gentle introduction to Austen through bubble-gum pop – Clueless is a light-hearted treat. Just don’t expect it to reinvent the wheel. Or, in this case, the convertible.
Trafalgar Theatre, London – until 27 September 2025
A Clueless Indian dining experience
