Legally Blonde

Author: Martin Holtom

Information

Date
3rd February 2022
Society
Erewash Musical Society Youth Group
Venue
The DuchessTheatre, Long Eaton
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Zak Charlesworth
Musical Director
Zak Charlesworth
Choreographer
Ellie Simmonds

It only seems like yesterday when I was last in the audience at the Duchess to see EMU’s production of Camp Rock and due to the second wave of Covid I have not seen many productions in the meantime.  So, it was a pleasure to sit back, relax and enjoy this production of Legally Blonde on opening night with a very appreciative audience.

It's always a challenge to be both Director and Musical Director of any production and Zak, ably supported by Rebecca Groombridge and Peter Cook, together with his talented ensemble cast certainly pulled it off.  Choreography from Ellie Simmonds was also very sympathetic to the skills of the cast and added to the enjoyment of the evening to great effect.

As with all EMUs productions the staging was ideal for the production.  The decision to stay with key truck-based props, cast bringing on their own benches etc. and great lighting was just what was needed and gave the production the pace that has been lost in other productions I have seen, including at the Royal Concert Hall.

The principals in this production were, without exception, strong throughout.  Alice Renshaw was perfect as Elle playing both the apparently superficial and also loyal and intelligent elements of this pivotal character.  I particularly enjoyed Alice’s sparring with Francesca Foster as Vivienne, again another excellent portrayal of both the condescending and finally supportive elements of her character arc.

Oscar Hugenholtz played the understated Emmett with apparent ease and handled the challenge of changing onstage without too much breaking of the fourth wall .  Stephen Perry managed the almost impossible in bringing some sympathy to the vacuous, self-loving Warner Huntington III.  Gabryl Oleshko, Sky Stacy, Amy Dawson, Bethan Moore and Joel Dawson were all very believable in their various supporting roles and the Irish Dancing, Oily Lawyer, Bend and Snap and Whipped into Shape were all highlights as was the Greek Chorus so congratulations too Livvi, Emma and Katie.

The show was completed by the ten strong band able led by Matthew Cook with sympathetic sound balance and lighting throughout.  Costuming was strong as were the performances from the entire supporting cast of Eloise, Izzy, Angel, Eleanor, Rosey, Lowri, Harry, Grace, Lacey, Harriet, William and well-behaved canine characters.

Yet another highly enjoyable all-round production, which the Erewash team should be suitably proud of.

Martin Holtom

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