Legally Blonde – The Musical

Sodbury Vale Musical Comedy Club’s

Production of 

“Legally Blonde – The Musical”

Director – Ryan Sheppard- Hughes,

Assistant Director – Georgia Neal,

Musical Director – John Mills,

Choreographer – Kathryn Walker,

Dance Captain – Hannah Peacock.

As seen by Bob Allen, NODA SW District 14 Representative -

on Friday, 2nd, May, 2025

at the Town Hall, Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucester

PLEASE NOTE: 

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question.  The reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular the performance viewed.  It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as the techniques used during the performance observed.  Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.

It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving future productions.

This was my first viewing of “Legally Blonde – The Musical” and I was apprehensive as I have never enjoyed the movie. This show was first a novel by Amanda Brown written in 2001. Within the same year it had become a cult-classic movie starring Reese Witherspoon. In 2007 it was made into a stage musical by screen writer Heather Hach with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin. And it also became a “must-do” story for many amateur drama groups. It centres on a young country woman going to a Harvard Law college to get her boyfriend back. It ends up a powerful inspiring tale of one woman’s empowerment of life.

Chipping Sodbury Town Hall has a “dead” spot for sound in the centre of the usual audience area so I was very pleased that all the cast were wired for sound. I was able to hear all words and songs very clearly. Also, as a real bonus, was a very professional eleven piece band of musicians. I applaud them all. They were so well rehearsed and were a great support to the cast. Also under John’s leadership they took their cues from the cast which was a joy to see. Many musicals follow the score and wait for the cast to catch up. 

There was a simple set on stage which managed to give different levels for staging. Naturally it was painted in various shades of pink -including the skyscrapers! The lighting was bright and good although, not subtle, which I would not have expected for this kind of show. Well done to the stage crew who worked quietly and fast never interrupting the pace of the show.

I felt that the show was a show of two halves. The first act was full of brash tunes with, in my opinion, very little variation. All beautifully performed at a very fast pace. The choreography was excellent and very varied considering the stage space available. And the energy swept over the stage onto the audience. I felt I was seated amongst the various “fan clubs” for the on stage cast. And wishing I had some of that energy!!

The Second Act converted me to become a fan! This act centred on Elle’s courtroom experience and we could clearly see the ugly duckling turn into the young wise attorney. And the songs started to achieve depth and subtlety. This act of the show was a good contrast to the first act and also gave the cast some emotions and feelings to get their acting teeth into. Soon all the loose ends had been sown-up and Elle had got her man. I’m always glad when there is a speedy, well rehearsed close to the show and the curtain call was not strung out. This play had been lovingly and securely directed with attention to detail and pace and the cast had followed through with energy and zest. A job well done in my book!

With any show like this it really is an “ensemble” piece of work and I would like the luxury of mentioning each of the main cast but that is not possible here. I would like to thank all the cast members for not leaving their characters whilst on stage in big scenes. I didn’t see anyone not in character – and I’m always looking! So very well done. Acting in crowd scenes can be hard work to be convincing. I’m sure each of you had your own fan club out in the audience so you would all have had good support for a job well done. This show had the most females I’ve seen in a long time on stage. I praise you all for prancing around in your various  costumes and using so much energy. But most of all you were having a great time and that freedom and enjoyment came across to the audience. Thank you all ladies!

However I have to mention some actors. 

Ashton and Emily both played attractive women in the roles of Vivienne and Brooke. Both added glamour and some good acting to their roles whilst bringing some realism to the stage.

I liked the roles of Warner and Callahan very much – although their roles were never going to be popular. Tom and James coped well without being overshadowed by all the women. They were able to add some gravitas to their parts which give them extra depth of character. 

I was amazed to hear the wonderful singing voice of Josh in the first act and wish I had heard more in the next act. Instead we were treated to a little scene stealer as the Parcel guy. Such a good comic turn and welcome humour to break up the second act.

The male leading role of Emmett was carried out with great style by Scott. It was a difficult role to handle as he had to wait for Elle to fall in love with him even when it was clear to the audience that he was made for her. He was an ideal pairing to play against Elle and was genuine in his reactions. Well done Scott.

The demanding role of Paulette was played with such gusto by Ella and was terrific support to Elle. Most of the time Ella was in the spot and stealing the limelight. I loved the energy and commitment she brought to the role and the non-stop moving!

Laura who played Elle was a joy to watch every time she was on stage. She lived and breathe that role and commanded the stage. I had the chance to meet Laura after the show and she was even more beautiful without the blonde wig! Her energy and life filled the stage and was the choice for the role of Elle. Great work Laura.

Thank you to all those of SVMCC that I met and thanks to the hospitality shown to my guest and myself. As I’ve already booked a seat for Beauty and the Beast I guess we’ll meet again then.

Kind regards

Bob Allen

NODA SW district 14 representative.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance seen.

 

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