Legally Blonde

I had only ever seen excerpts from Legally Blonde, so I was looking forward to seeing the whole show for the first time. A warm welcome is always received from the Dereham Theatre Company, and the Memorial Hall is a wonderful venue for the town and all that use it.

Glancing through the very informative programme, and the cast that had been assembled, I sensed that this was going to be a very good production. The quality of the sound, under MD Jonathan Gracie, as the 10-piece band struck up the opening chords, was perfectly balanced with the cast, which is always impressive at this venue, as the band are not visible to the cast or audience. The set was good, consisting mainly of mobile reversible scenes to aid quick scene changes for the story to flow. The Stage crew were at times on stage whilst the performers were still present, but this was probably necessary to execute the slick scene changes, and it did not affect the overall enjoyment of the performance.

Opening with “Omigod You Guys,” this set the tone for a very energetic performance, especially the high quality and imaginative dancing that is always demonstrated whenever Danielle Standing is choreographer. I was particularly impressed by the number “Whipped into Shape,” where Brooke Wyndham, played by Lucy Hunt, led a very energetic synchronised skipping routine with other members of the cast. Lucy managed to sing and skip through this number without showing any signs of breathlessness, a fantastic achievement. Lucy’s characterisation of Brooke was also of a high standard and very convincing.

Ryan Standing, as Emmett Forrest, and Teejay Standing, as Warner Huntingdon III, as the love interests of Elle, were both very good in their interpretations of the good understanding guy (Emmett), and an old-fashioned snob/cad (Warner).

Maya Jarvis was excellent as Vivienne, the new love interest of Warner at law school. She skilfully portrayed the character’s initial cattiness towards Elle, later revealing a genuine warmth and respect for her.

Rebecca Ludman (Serena), Georgia Folkard (Margot), and Jazmin Artherton (Pilar), brought a huge amount of the aforementioned energy to the show and kept it moving at a whirlwind pace, good characterisations and facial expressions, plus fabulous movement in the dance numbers.

Keeping proceedings in order as the very strict law Professor Callahan, Tom Watson produced a fantastic performance, the number “Blood in the Water” was delivered by Tom and the cast to perfection and was a real highlight.

Charlie Bunting was outstanding as Hairdresser Paulette Buonufonte, bringing sensitivity to the role as well as great comic timing. The hilarious scenes swooning over Kyle (Craig Mayne), as the UPS delivery driver, and the company all joining in for the Irish Riverdance style dancing as Kyle reveals that he has Irish ancestry as well as Paulette, were a delight.

Taking the lead role as Elle Woods, Eloise Cubbin was pretty much on stage throughout, and this was a further outstanding performance, nailing the essence of Elle’s personality perfectly. Leading the show from the opening number, she was the thread throughout the show that the rest of the cast fed into.

Along with a very strong supporting cast, including two dogs, Lola (as Bruiser), and Betsie (as Rufus), this was a very entertaining and fun show. My congratulations to Director Alice Watts and all involved.   

 

                 

 

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