Legally Blonde

The vitality of the opening number set the standard for this dynamic production which was well nigh flawless. Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend Warner who goes off to Harvard Law School. Determined to get him back, Elle follows him to Harvard eventually outdoing him both academically and in her search for love.

This was indeed a very professional production which oozed high energy from start to finish with some excellent individual performances. Elle is rarely off the stage and Lydia Carrington gave a magnificent performance in this very demanding role. She never faltered in her characterisation or vocally and looked wonderful never appearing phased by the quick costume changes. She is supported on her way by her ‘Greek Chorus’ who were superb and must be applauded for their slickness in their detailed choreography and who worked well as a unit never missing a beat. Margo (Felicity Thomas), Serena (Esmee Cook) and Pilar (Giselle Yonace) were outstanding leaders of this sassy group.

Elle is befriended at university by  Emmett (David Docherty) who conveyed a sense of empathy in his support for Elle and whose warm singing voice I particularly enjoyed. Colin Cairncross was an excellent Professor Callahan commanding the stage with perfect diction and bringing great depth to the character. ‘Blood in the Water’ perhaps one of the most melodic numbers was sung with ease and clarity. Before going to Harvard Elle meets up with beautician Paulette (Lyndsey McGhee) who persuades her not to change from blonde to brunette. Paulette’s solo number ‘Ireland’ was sung with great passion and power. She has some very funny lines and Lyndsay gave a very strong performance with good comedy timing and facial reactions particularly when Kyle (Ross Stewart) arrives with his 'package’. This may have been a small cameo role but Ross certainly made an impact!

When Elle does meet up with her ex boyfriend she finds he has a new girlfriend. Thomas McFarlane was well cast as the ambitious Warner as was Josephine Josephine Heinemeir his snooty rather spiteful girlfriend. Alison Wood was the perfect Brooke Wyndham who led the most fantastic ‘Whipped Into Shape’. The ensemble here showed immense agility in this very physical number with skipping ropes and no hitches or trips.

There are many supporting roles all of which were well portrayed but special mention must be given to Andrew Knox (Carlos) and Sam Eastop (Nikos) who were hilarious in the court scene and ‘Gay and European’

This certainly was a high quality production with most impressive choreography executed with precision. The entire cast gave polished performances paying particular attention to detail and the level of energy throughout the evening never faltered. Clever direction bringing characters forward in pools of light allowed set changes to be speedy and unobtrusive.

Congratulations Bohemians on a production which was fast moving and could compare favourably with many professional productions. Cast, production team and technical crew should be very proud of themselves.

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