Legally Blonde

I had the pleasure of watching Hulme Grammar School’s production of Legally Blonde The
Musical, and what a vibrant, high-energy performance it was. From the moment the audience
entered the theatre, it was clear this was a production filled with ambition, talent and heart.
The staging was impressive and thoughtfully designed, featuring two-storey window units,
clever projections, staircases and even a rotating door, alongside a wide range of set pieces
that were seamlessly brought on and off.
This was clearly a passion project for Directors Ms Cowan and Mrs Eckhardt. With such a
large cast and ensemble, strong direction is essential, and this was evident throughout. Every
performer knew exactly what they were doing and where they needed to be. The confidence
across the company demonstrated clear leadership, commitment and a huge amount of
rehearsal time.
Musical Director Mr Robertson delivered musical excellence. The vocals throughout the
show were strong, controlled and full of energy. The live band, performing from a separate
room, supported the cast beautifully. They never overpowered the stage but instead enhanced
it, demonstrating impressive musicianship and sensitivity. The balance between performers
and musicians was carefully judged and greatly appreciated.
Choreography by Katie Illingworth — an alumna returning to give her time and expertise —
added another layer of professionalism to the performance. That sense of community spirit
was felt throughout.
Costume and aesthetics by Mrs Serementa were clearly a labour of love. The costumes were
slick, appropriate and polished, perfectly matching the tone and colour of the show. During
the interval, the audience buzz was centred around how fantastic the students looked —
always a sign that the design has made an impact.
A special mention must go to Stage Manager Mrs Langan. A show is only as strong as its
stage management, and this one was incredibly strong. Scene transitions were smooth and
faultless, with students confidently leading changes and handling set pieces with
professionalism. The organisation behind the scenes ensured the performance flowed
effortlessly.
Now to the performances.
Macy Gallagher as Elle Woods led the production with true professionalism. Taking on such
an iconic role is no easy feat, yet Macy handled it with confidence, stamina and charm. From
quick costume changes to demanding solo numbers, she carried the show with poise and
presence. A performance to be very proud of.
Lucy Turvin as Paulette Bonafonte was, for me, a standout of the evening. Her comedic
timing was impeccable, and she was constantly in character, reacting and living every
moment on stage. It was a masterclass in comedy performance, and she brought huge warmth
and humour to the role.
Sonny Thomas as Professor Callahan played the role so convincingly that I genuinely
disliked his character — which is the highest compliment. His portrayal was controlled,
confident and commanding, capturing the essence of the role perfectly.

Noah Cook as Emmett Forrest brought honesty and sincerity to his performance. His
portrayal felt grounded and heartfelt, creating a character the audience could truly root for.
There was a maturity in his acting that elevated his scenes.
Finally, the ensemble. What a powerhouse of talent. From the Greek Chorus to the dancers,
crew and supporting roles, the ensemble created the atmosphere and heartbeat of this
production. Their energy was infectious, their commitment unwavering and their joy clear to
see. They filled the stage with colour, movement and excitement, making the world
of Legally Blonde come alive.
Hulme Grammar School should be incredibly proud of this production. It demonstrated not
only talent but teamwork, dedication and a strong sense of community.
Thank you for inviting my guest and me — I very much look forward to seeing what you
bring to the stage next.
Craig Pinnington

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