Legally Blonde

I have seen this show a few times as it has done the rounds on the amateur circuit. I have to say this performance is the best I have seen this show portrayed, including the professional version I saw a few years ago. The casting, set, lighting, sound, costumes, props and direction, music and choreography were brilliantly put together.

Based on the film starring Reese Witherspoon, it follows the adventures of Elle Woods who gets into Harvard Law school to try to win back her boyfriend, Warner, who dumps her for someone more serious in the first scenes of the show.

The set, with several moving trucks, worked so well and along with the creative lighting it moved in and out seamlessly.  This left a lot of the floor space available for the ensemble and, even in the large cast pieces, there was still plenty of room for great choreography from Emma Humphreys who played to the strengths of her cast.  The music allowed Emma to create a number of different styles, all of which were perfectly executed for the talented cast.

The sound was fabulous, and Michael J Scott and his band never overpowered the vocals of the cast. Each number had gorgeous harmonies and perfect diction enabling the audience to follow the story throughout.

The costumes were lovely and there were some very fast changes, so well done to everyone backstage (and onstage for a couple of changes). The props were brilliant, and nothing looked out of place.

Each member of the cast fitted their roles superbly and none more so than the leading lady Dani Fray as Elle, not only looking the part, but Dani’s vocals were also outstanding. Great dancing and acting with total transference of the humour needed for this role and all with perfect diction. I didn’t miss a word of either dialogue or lyrics. Rarely offstage this is a big undertaking, but Dani made it look effortless. A totally perfect performance.

Jonathan Hall as Emmett was brilliant, again with great vocals and acting. I totally believed he was falling for Elle and the chemistry between the two was entirely believable. I loved “Chip on my Shoulder”.

K Ellis played Warner with a real blend of arrogance but idiot likeability. I loved this portrayal as he wasn’t directed or acted as the pantomime villain which is the way I have seen this played in some other Legally Blond performances. With good vocals and dance moves he fitted the role beautifully.  

Clare Moorhouse gave a fabulous performance as Paulette the salon owner who befriends Elle. With powerful vocals and brilliant comic acting this part was beautifully filled by Clare. “Ireland” was stunning.

Equally Sophie Meggitt was fabulous as Brooke the keep fit instructor accused of murdering her husband. “Whipped into Shape” was brilliant both visually and vocally. The live video and large screen TV’s were really creative and the pause sections were faultless especially by Sophie in difficult to hold still positions.

Vivienne was superbly played by Victoria Carney. Her switch from being the bitchy character to supporting Elle was seamless and totally believable. Oliver Ball as Callahan was also totally believable and his transition of character equally shocking but believable. Again, not overplayed as a villain which requires good acting and direction.

The supporting roles were all confidently played and sung especially by the Delta Nu’s but every single one of the cast had portrayed their roles with conviction and more importantly great diction, vocals and dance moves.

They say never work with children or animals but the two pooches in this show were so well behaved and utterly gorgeous. Well done Kaspa as Bruiser and Caesar or Stanley as Rufus

The direction and casting of the show by Ben Ireson was utterly faultless. It was so creative and engaging that the time flew by. The set including live video, the costumes and blocking were all perfect.  I loved it and sang the numbers all the way home.

Finally, thank you to every one of the committee who looked after me on my visit.

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