Legally Blonde

While watching LAOS's production of 'Legally Blonde', I began to feel like a marathon runner - out of breath but exhilarated - I have one word to describe the start of my review - WOW!  The sheer energy and enthusiasm of this first-rate company came over the footlights and blew all the winter blues away into a 'pink' spring!

'Legally Blonde' is maybe not everybody's cup of tea (but it is mine!) - the basic story of a Californian fashion student who manages to get into Harvard Law College, in pursuit of her true love to prove she is not the airhead he thinks she is - even though he has already dumped her for not being 'serious' enough! However, there is plenty here to enjoy and be amused by. The story began life as a novel by Amanda Brown and was adapted into an MGM film, starring Reese Witherspoon. I remember seeing the film and at the time thought it would make a great musical - someone got there before me, namely Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin (Music and Lyrics) with the book by Heather Hach. It is a feelgood musical - catchy tunes, lots of pink and two cute dogs - you can't go wrong!

Louise Denison has once again delivered a slick, masterful and entertaning production - her choreography was superb - the pace never faltered - it was spellbinding from begining to end. Jim Lunt has also proven, once again, he is, like Louise, at the top of his game - his handpicked orchestra was a joy to hear. The cast had been well-rehearsed in vocals, not a wrong note, so brilliantly managed.

The leading role of Elle Woods, all pink and ditsy, was played by Amy Barrett - with incredible vocals and excellent acting I was reminded of Sheridan Smith, who played the part in the original West End production of the show which I was fortunate enough to see - it is a mammoth role, as she is rarely off-stage but Amy never lost her energy, building a great rapport with the audience. Her would-be-fiance, Warner Huntington lll, was played confidently by Luke Wilby - his attention to detail in his performance came across as a narcissus - the audience loved to dislike him!  When Elle arrives at Harvard, she is totally out of her depth to begin with - she is then befriended by Emmett Forrest, a trainee lawyer, played by Liam Gordon. Liam played the good guy with sincerity and great talent. Emmett helps Elle with her studies and she soon catches up with the other students.

The story unfolds with Warner, already at Harvard and who has wasted no time getting a new 'serious' girlfriend, Vivienne, played so viciously by Kirsty o'Sullivan, with excellent characterisation. Elle's tutor, Professor Callahan was played exquisitely and convincingly by Richard Pascoe, he commanded the stage really well - a natural and superb actor. Elle has befriended the beauty salon owner, Paulette and confides in her. Susan Wilcock played this gutsy character with panache and great stage presence - a joy to watch. Paulette always had problems with her love-life - she had a lover for 10 years, Dewey, a trailer trash horror played very well by Phil Case, who has kept her beloved dog illegally. One day, a UPS delivery man arrives at Paulette's salon with a 'large package' for her (that brought the house down!!) and she falls for him!  Ben Walton played Kyle so well with good comedic scenes with Paulette.

The story continues with Professor Callahan offering four students an internship - Elle is one of them. The murder case they are working on involves Brooke Wyndham, a fitness instructor, who is accused of murdering her husband - which she hotly denies - Brooke was played by Fiona Lane, who gave a convincing performance, singing whilst skipping madly - I was so impressed!

Elle's friends back in California, collectively called the Delta Nus, support, harangue and love her to bits - even becoming her 'inner voices' when she goes to Harvard - these eight performers were brilliant in their dance and delivery - there was a great deal of 'Oh my God' from them as Elle goes through the various passages of her complicated life - they were such a joy to watch and so talented!  (Margot - Lynette Leigh;  Serena - Catlin Magee;  Pilar - Lauren Dunwell;  Kate - Leoni Fadzilah;  Janie - Lucy Beaumont;  Patty - Charlotte Carr;  Sandy - Lily Harris;  and Vanessa - Vic Lampitt).

There were many cameo roles; these were played by established and experienced actors and so enjoyed by the audience; Freya Poole, Jac Ellis, Helena Bloomer, Drew Bennett, Ryan Brown, Ben Maltas, Georgie Gladwyn, Ben Walton, Ian Wilson, Joey Clarkson, Kelly Johnson and Celena Field.

The Ensemble were also amazing; Kezia Bennett, Beth Cheeseborough, Jesse Dubbelboer, Gemma Fowler, Kelly Johnson, Libby Mason-King and Abhishek Roy. These may have been small roles, but they were all important to the story - well done!

There wouldn't be a show for the performers if it weren't for the creative teams working tirelessly behind the scenes. I must sincerely congratulate LAOS's production team. To begin with, the set was beautiful - I understand this was the professional touring set for 'Legally Blonde' - and it was worth every penny - faultless set changes, smooth and quiet! - professional lighting and sound - all that a theatregoer yearns for. Ian Thomson was the Stage Manager and he had assembled an experienced team round him - what a joy! Louise Norbury-Robinson was the Deputy Stage Manager, with Laura Harvey and Dan Speight as Assistants. Stage Crew - Kirsty Barnes, Lynne Bigland, Ellie Church, Kira Dable, Paul Harding, Frankie Lakin, Amy Lodge, Amy Ounsworth, Keith Speight and Helen Thomson. Sound Design; Simon Shaw, Sound; Chris Beardwell and Chris Eddison. Lighting Design and Op; Chris Newsome - Stage LX; Adam Moore - Follow Spots; Tom Whitelegg and Sam Woodall. Wardrobe; Drew Bennett, Anne Bigland, Ian Page and Emma Thomson. Hairdressing; Janet Page. Props; Tim Bigland. Rehearsal Co-ordinators; Christine Rowlands and Steve Sefton. Marketing and Publicity; Sian Crossley, Paul Hopkins and Kirsty O'Sullivan. Programme Co-oordinators; Nicola Brook and Sian Crossley. All these people give their time and energy and deserve the same accolades as the actors. Overseeing all this was the Production Manager, Andy Thomson.

I really have to congratulate the canine stars of the show - whatever happens,as soon as they get on stage a huge 'Ahhh' goes round the audience - they were so good!  Elle's doggie Bruiser, was played by Dolly and Paulette's doggie Rufus was played by Gary - many treats were given to them during the performance!

As with all good musicals, it all ends happily, with Elle winning the court case and the heart of Emmett - Warner loses everything!

So here we had a truly professional show - I could tell that the whole company were having the time of their lives - and the audience left the theatre smiling - I can't wait for next year to see what LAOS has in store!

My sincere congratulations to you all!

 

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