Legally Blonde

I do love attending any of Sunderland Theatre Company’s productions.  They’re the warmest welcoming group, operating as a slick team, with the team work and friendship showing from the moment you walk in the door and utterly bounding from the stage.  Admittedly though “Legally Blonde isn’t one of my personal favourites, however the expert direction of Brian Waldock-Leach and an utterly superb casting made me well and truly eat my presumption. 

What a show!

Utterly incredible from start to finish in summary.  Fantastic reversible set pieces used to create imagery of the scenery for the audience, well-fitting and appropriate costuming, bright colour, great lighting design and sound delivery all contributed to a really great production, and the standing ovation spoke for itself.

Carl Heron as Musical Director had clearly worked very hard with Brian as the cast vocal delivery was excellent, diction well delivered throughout and everyone clearly could be heard over the tracks used for the music in the end performances.

I loved the way Brian had updated the original script to incorporate the use of technology and social media with the Delta Nu’s performing to a selfie stick, Elle face-timing her parents etc.  Really well thought out update.

The formation and shaping on stage was noticeable and really well performed.  Massive well done to Karen McKenzie, choreographer as the numbers were appropriate, well-rehearsed and well delivered by the entire cast taking part in them.  I especially loved the “What you want” number and the spring break dancers were absolutely hilarious.  The attention to detail was noticed! The “Gay or European” number had us all chucking, really well delivered by everyone and Christian Hogan and Sean Barrett brought the house down with their little number at the end.  The nod to Lord of the Dance was brilliant and very well-rehearsed with the cast so delivered very well.

Every single member of the cast was incredible and as such it’s so hard to highlight personal performances as there really wasn’t a weak link on stage.  That said, Cara Barella as Elle Woods was incredible.  I’ve seen Cara in countless productions over the years and she can always be counted on to deliver a solid performance but she really went over and above with her portrayal of Elle Woods.  Clear, confident and beautiful, Cara really gave her all to Elle and I loved her performance.  Michael Brabbs portrayed Emmett Forrest wonderfully, delivering sincerity, humour and empathy along with his always incredible vocal delivery plus great comedic timing.  Really loved it, as did your fan club who were in the same night!  Kristan Bailey played Warner Huntingdon III with a flair and his own personal growth as a performer is really something else.  Lots of exciting roles in the future for him is my prediction.  Paulette Bonafonte was played by the incredible Rebecca Crackett who I’m always in awe of.  Her voice, her beauty, poise and delivery of Paulette were brilliant.  So fun and so believable, especially during the “Bend and snap” number, her facial expressions were hilarious.  Gabrielle-Seren Smith, always incredible in whatever she does brought us Brooke Wyndham and didn’t been seem remotely perturbed at delivering an entire number while skipping!  Unbelievable.  A force to be reckoned with!  The original nice guy, Mathew Clarke portrayed Professor Callahan the sleaze brilliantly and gave the audience a clear delivery and believable sleaze when required. 

Ably supporting were Samantha Kennedy as Vivienne and Emma Bell as Enid plus the Delta Nu team acting as the narrating Greek Chorus, Helen Smurthwaite, Lois-Lorraine Smith, Rebecca Smith, Gemma Smith, Grace-Leigh Jones, Jessica Summers and Laura Gales who were simply wonderful on stage – bright, enthusiastic and slick performances from everyone!

Star of the show has to be Stephen Fay’s legs making an appearance in his performance as Kyle the UPS guy!  Well done Steve – very sexy!

Special mention has to also go to the beautifully behaved and extremely adorable dogs, Chip as Bruiser Woods and Sarge as Rufus making their debuts and winning the audience over well and truly!

Off to Bend and Snap my way through life!

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