Mean Girls Brings the Burn Book to Cardiff — and Local Star Ben Oatley Is Coming Home

The smash‑hit musical Mean Girls is heading to the Wales Millennium Centre this March, bringing with it razor‑sharp comedy, killer songs, and a cast packed with rising UK talent — including one performer who’ll be stepping onto a stage he grew up dreaming about.

The award‑winning production stars Steps icon Faye Tozer as Mrs George, Mrs Heron and Ms Norbury, alongside Emily Lane as Cady Heron and Vivian Panka as Regina George. Kiara Dario takes on Gretchen Wieners, Sophie Pourret plays Karen, Georgie Buckland appears as Janis, and Max Gill joins as Damien.

And in the role of Aaron Samuels — the heartthrob caught between the chaos — is Cardiff’s own Ben Oatley.

For Ben, the show’s arrival in the capital is more than just another tour stop. It’s a homecoming.

Ben Oatley - Ben Oatley / Instagram

“It was always a dream to come back.” — An Interview with Ben Oatley

Mean Girls arrives in Cardiff soon, which must feel pretty special for you. Ben: It’s super exciting. Especially for a local Cardiff boy like me. The Millennium Centre was the theatre I grew up with — the one I’d stare at in awe as a kid. It was always a dream to come back there, so I’m really excited.

Where are you right now on the tour? Ben: We’re in Manchester doing tech week, getting ready for opening night next week. Exciting times. I love it.

Landing the Role

What was the audition process like? Ben: Honestly, it was wild. I was driving back from a pantomime gig in Stoke‑on‑Trent, ready to relax for a couple of weeks before audition season. Then I got this email saying “Mean Girls finals.” I thought, That’s weird — I haven’t auditioned for Mean Girls.

Turns out the finals had actually been two months earlier. This was a last‑minute thing because the tour started two weeks from the day I got the email. So I went down to London a couple of days later, did the material, and two days after that I got the call. Suddenly the next year of my life was decided in four days. A total whirlwind.

Coming Home to Cardiff

Who’s coming to see you when you’re back in Wales? Ben: Lots of friends from my high school — people I haven’t seen in ages, so it’ll be lovely to reconnect. My family live out in Carmarthen now, in the middle of nowhere, but I’m sure they’ll come down to Cardiff too. It’ll be great to be back on home turf with all those positive memories.

Inside the World of Mean Girls

For the few people who somehow don’t know Mean Girls, tell us about the story and your character. Ben: It’s set in an American high school and it’s all about the social hierarchy — the crazy things people do to get to the top. You’ve got the three “top dogs”: Regina, Gretchen and Karen. Then Cady arrives from Kenya and everything is a massive culture shock.

She gets taken in by the Mean Girls, and with her friends Janis and Damien she tries to bring Regina down… but ends up becoming a Mean Girl herself without realising it. It’s a great arc about learning that you don’t need to change who you are.

I play Aaron Samuels — Regina’s ex and the guy Cady instantly clicks with in maths class. Regina tries to get him back just to get under Cady’s skin, so he’s pulled between them. He’s one of the few grounded, moral characters in the show. With all the chaos, it’s nice to have someone who’s just… a decent guy.

Favourite Moments on Stage

Do you have a favourite scene to perform? Ben: My favourite is a really intimate scene with Emily, who plays Cady. We’re sitting on the bedroom floor after she’s gone a bit “mean,” and she’s slowly finding her way back to herself. The song is More Is Always Better. It’s sweet, then it turns into a bit of conflict — a lovely scene to play.

But the most iconic moment has to be the maths class during Stupid With Love. You’ve got the “What day is it? October 3rd” line. Saying those lines out loud feels surreal.

Cardiff Audiences Are Ready

With shows like Heathers drawing huge crowds in Cardiff recently, Mean Girls is set to hit that same sweet spot — sharp humour, big characters, and a fiercely loyal fanbase.

Ben: Cardiff audiences are brilliant. I think they’re going to love it.

The Full Audio Interview is Available at the Bottom of this Article

Mean Girls at the Wales Millennium Centre — Don’t Miss It

Winner of Best New Musical at the WhatsOnStage Awards, Mean Girls brings all the iconic moments from the film to the stage — with new songs, bigger laughs, and a whole lot of pink.

Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or brand new to North Shore High, this is your chance to see a homegrown Welsh talent shine in one of the most talked‑about shows of the year.

Get in loser — we’re going to the theatre.