Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde

Hessle Theatre Company

 

Director Martin Beaumont, Musical Director Rebecca Barques, Choreographer Elise Johnson

Hull New Theatre

8th April 2025

 

Well there it was. The name in pink and white. ‘Legally Blonde’. As you walked into the packed auditorium of Hull New Theatre the pink projection hit the audiences eyes with a bang giving a none so subtle hint of the show to come. Legally Blonde is such a positive and energetic show that is loaded with morals for audiences to take away, with the over arching theme of don’t judge a book by its cover. In this instance though, I beg you to judge a book by its cover and expect much, much more, the advertisements can’t tell you how energetic and positive this show is. I was even told by one audience member as they left the theatre that he couldn’t help but leave the show feeling energised and in a positive mindset.

With a big stage to fill, director Martin Beaumont ensured that the space was not only used to its full potential, but that the heart of the story was never lost amidst the movement. His direction kept the audience anchored to the journey of Elle Woods and her ensemble of memorable characters, always drawing focus to the narrative while maintaining an excellent sense of pace and clarity.

Much of this success can be credited to the seamless collaboration between Martin Beaumont and stage director Kieren Danby. Their combined efforts ensured slick, fluid scene transitions that never disrupted the energy of the performance. Set changes were smooth and efficient, supporting the show’s rhythm rather than hindering it, and helping to keep the momentum alive from beginning to end.

The set itself was incredibly well-designed—versatile, imaginative, and smartly constructed to morph into various elements without ever distracting from the action. The live band, under the expert musical direction of Rebecca Barques, was a driving force behind the show’s infectious energy. The cast’s synergy with the musicians was spot on, resulting in a powerful sound that elevated the entire production.

Vocally, the show was flawless. Every cast member delivered their lines and lyrics with confidence, control, and enviable pitch. Among the many highlights were Emma Burgess as Paulette, whose rendition of Ireland was both hilarious and vocally stunning, and Georgia Wormald as Vivienne, whose powerhouse vocals in Legally Blonde Remix left a lasting impression. Both actresses demonstrated phenomenal characterisation, delivering performances that were as emotionally compelling as they were musically impressive.

Energy radiated from the stage all evening, but Act 2's opening number, Whipped Into Shape, was nothing short of jaw-dropping. Sarah Brodie as Brooke Wyndham was a tour de force—executing a high-octane fitness routine while maintaining powerhouse vocals. The coordination and precision of this number, particularly from the chorus, was astounding and a clear testament to the skill and creativity of choreographer Elise Johnson, who deserves immense credit for pulling off such a feat.

The Delta Nu girls were a glittering highlight throughout—led by Elinor Kirby (Serena), Gina Hobson (Margot), Katie Flanagan (Pilar), and Kimberley Fletcher (Kate). This fabulously girly group hit just the right note of over-the-top exuberance, bringing sass, sparkle, and exceptional dance talent to every scene they appeared in.

Of course, every good story needs a villain, and Ian Appleyard as Professor Callahan brought the perfect level of smug self-importance to the role. His presence added real dramatic tension to the piece, playing off beautifully against the optimism of the other characters.

James Galer gave a truly heartfelt performance as Emmett Forrest. His warm stage presence and understated charm made him a perfect counterpart to Elle. He brought real emotional depth to the role, and his scenes with Tanya Sewell were always engaging and sincere.

Aaron Bolton, as Warner Huntington III, played the role with just the right amount of polished confidence. His portrayal gave us a suitably frustrating glimpse into the kind of person Elle needed to outgrow, and he handled his musical numbers with poise.

And finally, the star of the show—Tanya Sewell as Elle Woods. Tanya delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. Rarely off stage, her stamina, charisma, and vocal brilliance never once wavered. She was utterly convincing in every moment, whether delivering comedic one-liners, navigating heartfelt revelations, or belting out powerful numbers. Tanya was Elle Woods—confident, courageous, and completely captivating. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect casting.

And of course, this review simply wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the charming canine additions to the cast—Millie and Ernie. Both dogs were extremely well-behaved and added just the right dose of adorable to the production. Their presence was met with audible delight from the audience and truly helped bring Elle’s world to life.

This production was packed to the rafters with energy, talent, and pure joy. Every detail—from the direction to the choreography, the music to the set—was handled with professionalism and passion. A huge round of applause to everyone involved in bringing this unforgettable show to life.

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