Review by Katrina Couzens of The Heartbreak Club presented by Thundering Productions
I love a good revenge story. I also love stories about female friendship. The Heartbreak Club is both, with a darkly delightful premise and mood somewhat reminiscent of Heathers. It was great fun. I laughed, I grimaced, and I revelled in the catharsis. The concrete backdrop of the Paint Factory piled high with cardboard storage boxes created a grungy basement, and contrasted superbly with the hot pink couch in the centre. The effect was unhinged and feminine, and perfect for murder plotting.
I do think it could have pushed a lot further. For a story about the journey from murderous intent to the real revenge being the friends we made along the way, there was maybe a little too much friendship and not a deep enough trench of toxic obsession to mark the journey against. Each character had traits that could have been leaned into far more—Tess’ cyber-stalking, Veronica’s need for meticulous planning, Claudia’s people-pleasing—but only Niamh’s bombastic, outspoken impulsivity felt fully realised. As a result, the characters’ growth as they release themselves from their experiences of abuse and explore their true needs came across as scripted rather than felt.
But overall, the Heartbreak Club is great fun. The portrayal of female friendship and support through shared experiences gives heart to a rollicking plot of covert operations, plans gone wrong, and paranoia.
