LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

X-RAYS come out of the starting block with their first show since lockdown with a very pink glittery show. I am a succour for pink, I don’t think I have seen this much pink and glitter on stage ever. It was my first time in this delightful theatre and X-RAYS certainly know how to put on a show.

Directorial debut for Millie Hall “Oh My God You Guys” Millie had a clear idea of how this was going & the extra touches did not go unnoticed, great vision! Millie also had another hat on as Choreographer. The movement and dance were well thought out and even making the cast skip, dance and sing with light up skipping ropes too. Loved the ode to Stavros Flatley’s moves in the Irish section. Musical Director was Victoria Sladen who had whipped the cast into shape.

The use of the auditorium and balcony for some of the scenes was a great idea - just watch when on the phone talking to another person who we can see, do not look at the person you are a talking to as it can spoil the illusion. The composite set was utilised well opening with four glittery flats each side in varying shades of pink - three columns in pink and two Delta Nu flags hanging down front stage - of course in pink.  The idea of the balloons for stage dressing was a fab idea too. Cleverly used projection on stage too to enhance a scene creating a movie feel about the whole piece using footage of Ireland, selfies and names e.g. ELLE WOODS. The stage crew and cast were used very effectively to bring on scenery (Trucks) for Elle’s bedroom, hairdressers, departmental store, Callaghan’s Office, the courtroom and bathroom giving the show a seamless feel. Set Design Rich Brennand, Construction Pete Charles, Joe Charles, Rich Brennand and Cat Oatway.  Stage Manager Adam Greenwood - snaps to you all!

Lighting enhanced and complemented the set too -Lighting design by Chris Lawton, operation by Andy Holden and Follow Spots Lauren Downes and Faye Singleton. Sound was by Rob Hames - overall was good but on the night I was there a few mics were late on so I missed some dialogue.  The costumes by Cat Oatway, Millie Hall and Kathy Griffiths were just gorgeous, again the colour pink featured heavily and loved the pink graduation robes at the end. It all fitted in well and was “Serious” colour pop from start to finish. Snaps to you all.

Let me start with the two cuties in the cast Bruiser Woods played by Joey and Rufus played by Kal’el. Not one dog but two to bring the ‘awh!’ factor dog Chaperones Lewis Jones and Cherie Callaghan.

Warner Huntington was played by Ric Ormerod, Vivienne Kensington was played by Elspeth Lord, Prof Callaghan by David Rhodes, Elle’s Mum by Eileen Melling, Kyle/Padamadan played by Paddy Duffy, Hannah Baxendale playing Chutney Wyndham, The Judge by Sarah King and Nicholas Peat taking on the roles of Elle’s Dad, Lowell and Dewey and the part of Dewey coming to the caravan door will be forever imprinted on my mind – lol! Along with Nicholas in the Harvard scene was Michael Haworth as Winthrop and Stuart Graham as Pforzheimer - just hilarious - snaps to you all!

Grant Bromley as Aaron/Nikos and Jake Taylor as Carlos - well done on your scene stealing moment.

Enid Hoopes played by Lori-Mae Maddock as the butch student gave a great performance and even put the butch into her dancing. Daniella Kelsall playing Brooke Wyndham - big snaps to you for singing, dancing and skipping then doing a freeze mid song holding it while dialogue takes place then carrying on and repeat. Paulette Bonafonte was played by Jess Dillon as the businesswoman who cannot get her love life right. She yearns for Ireland and makes a strong friendship with Elle both supporting each other. You believed they were great friends and they grounded each other – lovely!

The Delta Nus Margot played by Jade Schofield, Pilar played by Hannah Walker and Serena played by Aimee Gallagher were a great support and formed part of the Greek chorus that intertwined with the story - loved their energy!

Ronan Pilkington playing Emmett Forrest had a lovely calm quality about him and was the perfect foil for Fayhe-Louise Mitchell as Elle Woods. They had good chemistry and vocally complemented each other. Fayhe-Louise has a great comedic attribute which enhanced the character - almost goofy! She looked stunning in everything she wore and snaps to the costume department again - great casting!

X-RAYS Cast, Crew and Committee must be very happy with this choice of show and result. Oh my God You Guys - well done! Thank you so much from my guest Ursula and I for making us feel so welcome.

 

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