Legally Blonde

This show was the gift that kept on giving!  Wrapped in a huge pink bow it was the most delightful, fun and wonderful presentation of Legally Blonde by a very talented cast who had the energy to make the night fly by in the most enjoyable of ways. 

It’s hard to know where to begin, but as we were met with a (very) pink set clearly the stage and staging is a good place.  The theatre was well used including an entrance through the audience.  Set and props were moved efficiently and effectively by cast and stage crew - all done with excellent precision.  The space was used to bring the many different venues alive, from California to Massachusetts, from Court Room to Prison Cell with clever use of the space the audience knew exactly where the action was taking place.    And what action it was….There was rarely a still moment on stage and every movement, every routine,  every hand dance was beautifully choreographed and credit must go to Dani Sampson for her work with the cast to make every number a pleasure to watch.  The music was excellent and singing was stunning – very well done to principal cast and Ensemble for making sure all the numbers hit the right note and congratulations to Pete Lane for his work as Musical Director.

Costumes and wigs were great and there were a number of quick changes, particularly for Elle, so well done to the dressers who must have worked hard backstage.  The lighting captured the atmosphere of each scene perfectly and sound was excellent.  And so to the cast…..and what a cast……

An absolutely hilarious portrayal of Paulette Buonufonte by Lisa Kendall – simply wonderful in terms of timing, delivery and expression - just the most perfect Paulette,  particularly in her number ‘Ireland’.  Her interactions with Kyle (Cev Barker) were amongst the highlights of the show.  David Cooper was a mean and unlikeable Professor Callahan – is it appropriate to congratulate someone on being totally inappropriate?  because he most definitely managed to be all levels of creepy.  Lee Caddick was a strong Warner Huntington III who too was just not pleasant and Caddick also managed to capture the rather sad character that he is. 

Lauren de Boer was a great Vivienne Kensington with just the right level of ‘demure meets mean’.       There was a very energetic portrayal of Brooke Wyndham by Ellen Hindley who managed the agility required during ‘Whipped Into Shape’ excellently. 

Every character on stage deserves a mention as it was clear that the cast knew and owned their roles.  Fabulous work by Jess Brandao, Tamsin Kendall and Sarah Taylor as Serna, Pilar and Margot and an hilarious portrayal of Chutney by Holly Greco.  Becca Booth as Enid ensured her comic lines had great delivery and Jacob Whitehead was most definitely Gay, European and very funny as Nikos.   With excellent support from Joe Boswell (Aaron), Ruth Lockwood (Sundeep), Janine Atkinson (The Judge), Jordan Wright (Carlos) and Omar Gorstridge and Nicola Long (Elle’s dad and mum) with an upbeat Ensemble this really was a very strong line-up.  Not forgetting Nacho and Max as Bruiser and Rufus – who were very well- trained canines.

Dan Wilkinson was an endearing Emmett Forrest, waiting patiently ‘in the wings’ for his beloved Elle.  A fabulous performance from Wilkinson who made his mark and a great impression on the audience.  Of course the role of Elle is a huge one – barely off stage, with numerous routines and solos the success of the show does depend on having just the right person and Lamproom MTC most definitely found their Elle.  With a wonderful ability to capture the complexity of this character who can be easily written off as a ‘dumb blonde’  Lydia Duval presented a master class in being centre stage, whilst still part of the team and ensuring the audience were taken with Elle not just on her journey from Malibu to Harvard, but in growing as a person whilst recognising her own worth and that of those around us.  This was a hugely sensitive portrayal by triple threat Duval who was not lacking in any aspect of her performance – even her quick changes seemed to not present her with a problem as she returned to the stage looking poised and determined to secure her goal – a really amazing Elle.

Director Ashley Booker may have had to wait three years to bring this to the stage following delays as a result of the pandemic, but it was most certainly worth the wait and Booker should be incredibly pleased with the outcome of his and the Production Teams work.  My sincere congratulations to the performers, Production Team and everyone who helped and supported front of house and backstage.

 

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