Legally Blonde

First, I must say how impressive the orchestra was, with John Amery conducting. The opening number really set the scene. He, as usual, put his all into it and must have been exhausted by the end of the show every night, well done.

This story, set in America is about two young people who are in love, but then the boy moves on from the frivolous High School days and goes to Harvard to train as a lawyer, in order to fulfil his political ambitions. The girlfriend (if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em) decides to get herself to Harvard in order to keep the relationship going. All a bit improbable but nevertheless entertaining. A weak plot (like many musicals) but extremely well done by this talented company. Stacey Hedge did a magnificent job with her character Elle Woods, her rendition of “Serious” with Warner Huntington played by Dan Thorogood, was particularly good. Dan was very convincing as Warner who wanted to get on in life, but came to rue the day as Elle herself, eventually moved on. Aaron Kitts as Emmett Forrest played this role with real feeling getting the light and shade just right he underplayed the role so well and with great empathy and understanding of the character.

Paulette Buonufonte as Jo Button sang 'Ireland' beautifully; her ebullient character had some wonderful lines and this was a magical performance; a real scene stealer. Professor Callaghan; superbly performed by Iain Douglas (one of the best roles I have seen him in) gave a strong commanding performance, the dark side of his character well portrayed! 'Whipped into shape' was very well done. The courtroom scene was truly wonderful and very funny and “Gay or European “was well executed.

Other supporting roles were played by Jo Plant as Brooke Wyndham, Julian J Bennett as Winthrop and the Grand Master Chad. Brenda Loosemore as the Judge. And good back up from Sami as Margot, Sapphire as Pilar and Breagha as Serena and too many others to mention but they did a great job. On the night I attended Louie (The Bruiser) behaved wonderfully well! The Greek Chorus and the other supporting “teams” were superb. The Choreography was well done indeed, the sets were of a very high standard and the few changes were seamless.

You know when you attend a TOADS production you are going to get a quality show and so, well done a joy to watch. Many congratulations to the director Ruth Bettesworth and my thanks to the President Mary Qiriaqi and Amanda Jenkins for the kindness and hospitality shown to Ann my wife and myself. A very special evening was had not only by us, but by the audience who obviously loved it to. The huge effort put in by everyone involved really shone through.

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