Legally Blonde

This was my first time seeing Legally Blonde in any format, having somehow managed to avoid its various iterations – film, novel, and now stage musical – over the years.  And what a great introduction the Norbury Players gave me to the show!  This was a night full of vim and vigour, as a huge and enthusiastic cast of 31 (plus two dogs!) – expertly marshalled by director Melanie Brown – gave their all in front of an extremely appreciative audience. 

Legally Blonde charts the adventures of Elle Woods who, having been dumped by her upwardly mobile boyfriend (in an amusing and well executed song), sets out to prove that she is not some blonde bimbo and – initially at least – to win back her man.  Embarking on a legal course at Harvard, Elle is forced to navigate her way to success through a difficult course laced with snobbery, prejudice, and treachery.  But, in the end, facets of her character, that Elle initially mistakes for weaknesses, turn out to be strengths, and the show concludes with the girls on top. 

Molly Hill was excellent as Elle Woods, showing great stamina and coping admirably with the considerable singing, acting and dancing demands of the role.  This was a confident, engaging performance, making Elle a character that it was easy to root for.  She was ably supported by a sassy trio of friends who also acted as a Greek chorus (appropriately decked out in white outfits), on hand to advise Elle in times of need.  Megan Harrington, Erin Maiden and Molly Taylor formed a vibrant and sweetly tuneful team as Margot, Serena, and Pilar respectively. 

Sam Jeffrey as Emmett Forest and Jake Jones as Warner Huntington III brought out the contrasting characters of the men in Elle’s life, alongside Paul Steele as the hard-nosed but ultimately pathetic Professor Callahan.  Ellie Davison also did well as Elle’s rival Vivienne Kensington – initially frosty but ultimately won over by sheer girl power!  Emma Waters showed breathtaking (literally!) stamina as Brooke Wyndham – skipping her way through a gym-based song at the top of act two.   And Hayley Gass made the most of opportunities for humour – and a couple of showstopping numbers – as Elle’s hairdressing confidante Paulette. 

Supporting the principals was a strong and committed ensemble, every one of whom brought their best to the table and all of whom deserve congratulations.  As Elle might say, omigod you guys, you smashed it!  Choreographer Lois Press put together some dazzling group numbers, harnessing the energy of the cast to great effect.  Of the musical numbers, I particularly enjoyed the Motown-tinged ‘What You Want’, the frankly random Riverdance of ‘Ireland’, and the very funny courtroom number ‘Gay or European’, which started off like a G&S pastiche and then went somewhere very different!

The show was nicely staged, with the twelve piece band (well conducted by musical director Lawrence Nicholas) on show at the back of the stage behind a gauze curtain.  The backdrop for the action was provided by a series of very good scenery blocks, including a reversible door, a bathroom (complete with toilet), Paulette’s salon and – my favourite – a well realised trailer.  These were all expertly manoeuvred around the stage by an efficient backstage team.  Sound and lighting were also very well handled – there was even a sequence in which Elle and her legal team joined the audience to watch proceedings on TV screens.

Congratulations to all at the Norbury Players for a great show.  I hope to see you all again soon!

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