Legally Blonde

Of all the musicals that I have been to since taking on the role of a NODA Regional Representative, I think Legally Blonde is the one I have seen performed the most.  There is a reason for this – it is a great show, full of heart and humour and with some very catchy songs.  It was a real pleasure, then, to visit Top Box’s Redditch Adult Theatre Company, and to see what they made of it. 

Legally Blonde follows the life of Elle Woods, who reacts to being dumped by her upwardly mobile boyfriend with a determination to win him back by proving that she has brains as well as beauty.  Following an awful lot of cramming, she wins a place at Harvard to study law and all seems set fair, but her troubles are only just beginning – her way to a happy ending being blocked by snobbery, prejudice, and treachery.  But Elle is not to be denied, and she ultimately finds success in defending Brooke Wyndham on a murder charge, via her knowledge of the effects of water on a perm!

Meg White anchored the show superbly as Elle Woods, in a warm, easy to root for characterisation.  Her singing was strong, showing good diction and a great ear for comedy, effectively landing the many jokes that pepper the script.  Alongside her, Callum Wright was also very good as the charmingly crumpled Emmett – his developing feelings for Elle particularly well conveyed during ‘Chip on My Shoulder’.  Further strong support was provided by the ‘Greek Chorus’ of Margot (Shannon Skett), Serena (Max Day) and Pilar (Paula Lilburn) – omigod you guys, well done!

On the other side of the Court, as it were, stood Warner Huntington III, played by George France in another good performance.  I liked that the character came across as more misguided than nasty, which felt realistic.  Maisey Leake was nicely bitchy to Elle as Vivienne Kensington, whilst also convincingly executing her final act conversion to the cause.  Also at Harvard, we met the hard-headed Professor Callahan (Mark Hull), whose attempt to seduce Elle leads to both her lowest moment (a superbly performed ‘Legally Blonde’), but also, indirectly, to her ultimate triumph.  A word too for Ilana Midgley-Smith, who was nicely snarky as Enid Hoopes.

Elle’s hairdresser friend Paulette was played by Marianne Midgley, an actress with an instinctive feel for comedy who reminds me in her physicality of the iconic Birmingham actress Julie Walters.  She also didn’t miss out on the showstopper opportunity that is ‘Ireland’.  Also making the most of their role was Jon Laight as Kyle the delivery guy, full of humorous nods and winks to the audience.  Finally amongst the principals, Grace Laishley was nicely sassy as the wrongly accused Brooke Wyndham, developing a good relationship with Elle.  I was exhausted just watching her skipping routing, never mind the singing as well! 

There was a very large supporting cast and ensemble, each of who played their part in delivering a great show.  Unfortunately there are too many to name them all, but I will say that it is a real pleasure to see performers from Top Box’s youth shows progressing into these ‘adult’ companies.  What a great pool of talent the team have nurtured!  Finally, mention must also be made to the very well behaved four-legged members of the cast, Lola and Lily (who must have the waggiest tail I’ve ever seen on stage!)  Well done to them and their adult handlers!  

Directors Tracy Anne Wright and Georgie Pearce directed with their usual vigour.  I particularly liked the use of ‘freeze frame’ effects from time to time, and the humour in the show was brought out very effectively.  There were occasions where the actors delivered their lines facing away from the audience, which I thought was a bit of a shame – although radio mics mean that we can still hear, it is nice to also see their faces!  But there was plenty of good choreography from Georgie, and I thought the finale was superbly done. 

Sound and lighting were well handled – well done to Dan Clarkson.  I particularly liked the atmospheric mood lighting for the song ‘Legally Blonde’.  There were also a series of nice printed backdrops that were used to set the various scenes of the play – a simple but effective staging that enabled the show to run smoothly.  Costumes too were absolutely on point – no mean feat when there are so many people to dress!

I really enjoyed this production, which was full of energy and charm and in my view represents a new high for the Top Box adult group.  My congratulations to all, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.

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