Legally Blonde

This musical is based on the novel Legally Blonde and the 2001 film of the same name. It tells the story of Elle Woods, a fashion merchandising major. When suddenly dumped by her boyfriend, because he wants someone more "serious", Elle enrolls at Harvard Law School to try and win him back. Initially mocked for her pink outfits blonde hair and ditzy style she eventually earns the respect of those around her by using her fashion knowledge to successfully defend exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.

Stoke Youth once again tackled this rather tricky musical with enthusiasm and a great display of talent. Director and choreographer Olivia Birkin kept the show light, fast, fun and frothy, and there were some terrific dance routines. A highlight of the show had to be the court room scene with the song ‘Gay or European’. This was very well executed. The set did what it needed to do although due to the technical limits of the theatre there were many scenes in front of black tabs. Costumes were in keeping and the lighting added to the overall ‘pinkness’ of the show.

Elle, played by Nikki Biddington, is onstage nearly the entire show and it is a high energy and demanding role. Nikki, however, did a great job delivering a confident and funny performance. She enjoyed the support on stage of a bevy of beautiful friends and a ubiquitous “Greek Chorus”. These girls really did work well together and got the characterisation just right. Josh Edwards was very watchable as the heart-warming nice guy, Emmett. His vocals throughout were effortless and there was a lovely ease throughout his acting and movement. Will Henshall was a perfect Professor Callahan, the ruthless villain of the show. Despite being young in years there was a genuine maturity about his performance. Ben Durham as Warner was strong throughout and I particularly enjoyed the delivery of the ‘break up’ song – Serious. I thought that beautician ‘Paulette’ played by Emma Yates, provided several of the highlights of this show, in fact she nearly stole the show, as did the U.P.S guy ‘Kyle’.  Liam Brookes made the most of this cameo part and what I’d like to ask is did that walk come naturally or did it need a lot of work?! Two rather cute dogs had the audience oooing,  aaaaahing and laughing, particularly at Chester who obviously decided that walking was too much effort and it was much more fun to be dragged around on his bottom.

The songs are pretty-much instantly forgettable, although the phrase 'Ohmigod' becomes indelibly imprinted on one's memory as it's repeated ad infinitum. There were some strong individual performances, but it was the strength of the whole company working together that made this this production a success.

Well done to all involved.

   

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