Legally Blonde

Elle Woods is a fashionable sorority queen of her college -- she has it all, a handsome boyfriend, wealth, and status. Things begin to change for Elle when her boyfriend Warner dumps her and when reaching Law School he starts dating Vivienne, a law student. Elle decides to win back her former boyfriend by applying to Harvard Law School, she is able to pass her test and get into Harvard. Being in Harvard may not be easy for Elle, she soon falls in love with Emmett and she befriends Paulette, a manicurist at the nail salon. Along the way, Elle decides to take her studies more seriously and she must take on a court case when her role model Brooke Windham is accused of murdering her husband. Elle is determined to prove Brooke's innocence.

The set was a good- looking structure on two levels that was flexible to cover several scenes and was, with simple ease along with other props and furniture moved by the cast and crew. The opening number ‘Omigod You Guys’ was splendidly brash and sassy which is probably why it took a couple of scenes to tune in to the dialogue, which under some great direction and choreography by Emily Hamer, moved at a great pace throughout.  You could mistake Elle for a ditzy blonde, given that she misinterpreted her boyfriend Warner breaking up with her, as a proposal. Molly Parker captured the essence of Elle, from someone who was not serious enough for Warner but grew into a capable and confident intern. Warner played by David Bradley also established a great character, who was clearly too full of himself for his own good.

When Elle arrived for interview at Harvard, she had no personal essay, but this was covered musically with great energy, led by her college friends; Serena (Georgie Hand), Margot (Becky Turner), Pilar (Emma Paine) who gave full on performances throughout. Elle is accepted - perhaps as much for her good looks – and we meet the other students including Emmett in ‘Harvard Variations’ which was a good number. Emmett played by Harvey Dalloway had a much nicer disposition (than Warner) and soon cared for Elle and they became good friends. This was well portrayed by Harvey and with Molly they sang well together. Their Harvard lecturer was Professor Callahan very well played by Gareth Coffin who teaches them to find ‘Blood in the Water’ if they are to do well. Elle soon impresses Callahan – in more ways than one we establish later – and Callahan announces he will appoint four interns for some high-profile work. In addition to Warner, Vivienne who becomes Warner’s girlfriend is selected and Leyla Hull provided a great portrayal of this ‘more serious’ student and later proves to have a good voice. The fourth student to be selected was Enid, again very well played with great characterisation by Beth Stephens.

In the meantime, we meet Paulette the manicurist, played by Jade Foster who provided another great character, and who importantly tells Elle she should fight to get Warner back. I enjoyed ‘Chip On My Shoulder’ when Emmett has sympathy for Elle and exclaims that when you’re not born to privilege, you have to work twice as hard. Paulette wants to get her dog back from her Ex Dewey and Alex Thompson provided a great cameo as Dewey.

Opening Act 2 there was a perfect skipping routine during ‘Whipped into Shape’, fronted by Brooke (Emma Davies) who we learn is accused of murder and is being defended by Callahan. Old friends with Elle, Elle was the only one to uncover Brookes alibi but is sworn to secrecy as public knowledge could ruin her business. Emma established a very strong presence and gave a confident performance. I liked ‘Take it Like a Man’ and when Elle shops for Emmett there were some touching moments together. Back with Paulette, there is a delivery of a ‘significant’ package by Kyle the delivery man. Ben Williams almost stole the show with his slick moving personality, nevertheless Paulette is smitten and this was very funny. There were some other excellent cameos, not least Tom Paine in each of his; Elle’s Dad, Aaron Shultz and especially Nikos. ‘Bend and Snap’ was a great number and when the tempo went down a notch there was a very nice scene between Elle and Emmett. There was some first-class choreography throughout, which even included an Irish jig.

This production deserved its full houses and all involved on, front and back stage, including two charming well behaved dogs, should be congratulated. Thank you again for your usual warm welcome.

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