Legally Blonde

What a total pleasure it was to see this fairly new society take on their first full blown musical. They have already established themselves as a society producing some excellent concerts but now, they have decided to take on book shows, and the decision certainly paid off.

It must have been a very daunting idea to tackle this show as it has many varied aspects to it, ranging from not only the music, which is something else but also the venue which has a very limited stage and wing space.

Shelley Edwards, however had her own idea as to how this production should be and it paid off by using not only the stage but the space in front of it as well as having characters entering via the auditorium.

There were some really exceptional performances from the cast, especially Jade Wilkinson as Paulette who was outstanding and managed to capture every ounce of her in her portrayal, Paulette is a comedy character and Jade’s comedic skills were certainly put to good use, as was her singing.

The title role, or the Legally Blonde character, Elle Woods was in the more than capable hands of Chantelle Edwards, who had actually coloured her hair to fit the part. Elle is a mammoth part, but Chantelle took it all in her stride to bring life into this complex character. As well as being onstage for the majority of the time, Chantelle also had to change costumes in various places to make sure the action ran smoothly.

Whilst at University, which Elle attends to try and win her ex-boyfriend back, she meets Emmett who initially helps her to adjust into her new life as a student, however love blossoms and she falls for him. Emmett was played by Sam Bates, who has the voice and acting abilities to carry this off.

Elle’s ex-boyfriend, Warner, was played by Shane Lale, who has a fine singing voice which proved to be just right for this character and combined with his acting talents he was able to deliver the goods just right.

Warner had met a new girl, Vivienne, played by Rachael Jackson, who is the polar opposite to Elle both in looks, outlook on life and of course hair colouring. Rachael’s acting skills were exceptional; she was able to perform this part with ease.

At the university, Elle meets Professor Callaghan, who is a force to behold, he can be very domineering and doesn’t suffer fools gladly, which, when he meets Elle this is evident, this character needs someone with a good singing voice as well as great acting skills, step up Adam Wigglesworth, who was more than capable to carry this off much to the delight of the audience.

There are many characters in this piece, which to a relatively small company could prove to be a problem, however with the directing skills of Shelley, this was easily overcome by using various members of the company with disguises to fulfil the roles.

Elle has three main friends, Pilar, Margot and Serena who are always with her, either in thought or real life. Sophie Clarke, Lillian Horton and Leonie Williams played these roles respectively and were able to bring out their various and varying characteristics brilliantly.

Others in the cast were Abbie Edwards, Chloe Jenkinson, Brook Catton, Rach Howard, Nyle Reilly, Becky Velland, Danny Hudson, Katie Keen, Joanne Farthing, Martin Farthing and of course Freya and Darcie who played Brewster and Rufus respectively.

Congratulations to everyone involved in this piece on a very successful and entertaining production.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.