Legally Blonde

Omigod -how good it was to be at The Conquest Theatre for Legally Blonde on their return to NODA after a short absence. It was great to be part of a full house for the Saturday matinee performance for this popular musical. This musical has every ingredient wanted, especially some very relevant messages about striving for what you want in life.

Elle Woods is expecting boyfriend Warner to propose to her however he dumps her because she is not serious enough for him. Determined to win him back she gets into Harvard Law School where she wins the day both in her search for love and academically.

The show needs plenty of energy- lucky the actors involved had loads of this even if it was a Saturday afternoon!

Ellen Pitts as Elle Woods gave a marvellous performance and took the audience with her on her journey to success. The character is on stage throughout most of the show and has a considerable share of musical numbers in this demanding role which was well managed.

Elle was well supported by her ‘Greek Chorus’ who were fun and in good voice, played by Emma Green as Margot, Emily Chambers as Serena and Mia Field as Pilar.

The contrasting characters of Warner Huntington III played by Joe Standell and Emmett Forrest played by Conor Stobart were well cast in terms of acting and musical numbers such as ‘Serious’ and ‘Chip on my Shoulder’. It was evident who the audience wanted to win the day regarding Elle Wood’s love life.

Emma Hughes was brilliant as hairdresser Paulette Buonufonte and extracted the full humour as well as the tenderness the character demands. The song ‘Ireland’ was beautifully done.

There were many other well played roles, not least Nikki Ivison as Callahan, Lisa Fraser as Brooke, Mel McClusky as Enid, Lisa Legge as Vivienne and Amanda Perkins as Chutney.

A special mention must go to Hugh Farey and Rob Finney. Hugh was not only great as Carlos with his announcement at the end of ‘Gay or European’ but also milked for all it was worth the role of the Violinist in the second scene of act one.   Meanwhile Rob played the iconic roles of Kyle B O’Boyle (with his 'package’) and Nikos well much to the enjoyment of the audience.

No matter how well the human cast do they are always going to be upstaged by Bruiser (played by ‘Princess’ Percy Hughes) and Rufus (played by Tallulah ‘Lula’ Ivison). These amazing roles are played by two dogs and the audience loved them both. Lula did at times however seem more interested in treats than being the potential star of the stage and taking her exit on cue!

The set was simply but nevertheless effective. The rostra up stage left, and right was multipurpose in its use. Otherwise, doors and a few appropriate flats sufficed. Set changes were carried out well and did not slow the show down at any time.

Costumes and hair styling were both in line with the need of the production.

Congratulations to all involved and welcome back to NODA. I most certainly look forward to seeing you at Camelot the Panto in February 2023. 

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