If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if an ’80s high‑school movie, a queer horror spoof and a rock musical all collided at once, I Was a Teenage She Devil at The Other Palace Studio has your answer — and it’s every bit as chaotic, camp and crazy as that sounds.
Fresh from a successful run at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, the show brings its high‑octane energy to London’s off‑West End, leaning gleefully into every trope the era ever gave us. There’s the venomously perky cheerleader Tiffani (Caitlyn Anderson), her square‑jawed but not‑exactly‑brainy quarterback boyfriend Big Rod (Jordan Fox), and poor Nancy (Aoife Haakensom), the earnest school nerd who just wants to be liked. When the popular kids set her up on a cruel date with Big Rod, Nancy’s despair reaches celestial levels — unfortunately for her, it’s Satan who picks up the call.
What follows is a knowingly silly, delightfully over‑the‑top transformation as Nancy becomes a leather‑clad rock siren with a thirst for revenge (and the occasional soul). The plot is pure B‑movie melodrama, but the show’s heart lies with the misfit gang who rally to save her with the power of friendship, love and a nod to lots of 80’s movies on the journey!
Musically, it’s a treat: punchy ’80s‑infused rock numbers, tight harmonies and choreography that makes full use of the intimate 120‑seat studio. Sean Arkless’s Satan is a standout — a swaggering, powerhouse presence with vocals that genuinely raise the temperature in the room. The horror elements are knowingly tongue‑in‑cheek, complete with fake limbs passed around like party props, which only adds to the fun.
With strong language, sexual humour and a body count that would make a slasher film blush, it’s not one for younger teens. But for everyone else, this is a riotous, affectionate love letter to the weird, wild world of ’80s genre stereotypes and mash‑ups — and a good night out.
Reviewed by Alexa Gardner.
Four Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
Leave a comment