From the mind of Sean Matthew Whiteford comes the outrageous 80s rock musical comedy, "I Was a Teenage She-Devil." The story follows the four-eyed wallflower Nancy Nelson, who cries to the heavens for help after being pushed over the edge by the popular kids at school, but finds that it is, in fact, Satan who responds. Transforming her into a big-haired, foul-mouthed sex bomb rocker who wants to get her own back on her bullies. But who really needs saving? The popular kids, Nancy or the World. 


I was a Teenage She-Devil wastes no time getting into the theme of the story, opening with a very 80s-feeling rock number, which introduces the cast of characters. Nancy (Aoife Haakenson) is the nerdy lead character who struggles to fit in at school and is good friends with the rock guitarist Debbie (Ashley Goh) and their movie and weed-obsessed video store boss Doobie (Jacob Birch). Tiffani (Caitlin Anderson) bullies Nancy, along with her jock boyfriend Big Rod (Jordan Fox) and friends Todd (Louis Hearsey) and Heather (Charis Stockton). Later, Nancy meets the sneaky Satan (Sean Arkless) when he intercepts her offer of her soul in return for being cool.


The cast does an incredible job of dragging the audience into the She-Devil world, making their characters feel believable, whilst maintaining a fun and exciting show and bringing incredible vocals for each song. The original musical numbers are catchy and feel fitting throughout, with each character (including Doobie) getting their time in the spotlight. The choreography brings the cast into the crowd, which adds a level of immersion to the show and is a great use of the small stage for such an active performance. Whilst scene changes are seamlessly integrated into the choreography.


The writing of I was a Teenage She-Devil is excellent, finding the fine line between being dramatic without being cheesy, whilst being sexy and funny and having an endearing love story at the heart of it. With 80s references to films, music and actors. It gives a healthy mixture of vibes from classic films such as Wayne's World and Bill and Ted, whilst having the feeling of plays like Heathers with music from bands such as Tenacious D. This gives the show a feeling of comfort and familiarity, whilst being its own concept and entity, which makes it an immediate classic.


The colourful and, at times, tight-fitting costumes from the very beginning of the show are amazing and feel perfectly fitting for the genre and time period of the show. Along with this, the choreography is perfect with hints of 80s fitness videos added in. 


I was a Teenage She-Devil is a hilarious and sexy rock musical that brings an incredible cast together for a show that will blow the minds of its audience.


I was a Teenage She-Devil is playing at The Other Palace Theatre until the 26th April.


Reviewer: James W.     Photos: Lidia Crisafulli