Legally Blonde - The Musical

This young cast had worked hard to bring this show to the audience and opening night saw them hit the stage having had limited time in the theatre so they coped well with using all the props, costumes and scene changes.   Whilst this is a fun and upbeat musical it does include some challenging scenes, quick changes and demanding characters and Director Beth Coxon had worked to create a great show.

The unknowing villain of the piece, Warner, was played by Kai Haste Wain who was great at being rather dim (sorry Kai, but you did it really well!).  His girlfriend of choice, Vivienne, Ella Penn was an absolute witch until she realised that her love was misplaced and Warner was unlikely to help her scale to the heights she desired!  Penn’s sidewards glances and b***y comments were perfectly timed and totally suited the character.

Lucy Eden was super as the ‘unlucky in love’ hairdresser, Paulette, who eventually ‘finds her Ireland’ in UPS delivery man Kyle (Danil Boudjada).  Their scenes together were fun and very well managed.  Ed Sayers was very confident as the horrid  Professor Callaghan.  Sayers was mean, nasty and quite despicable  with a strong singing voice.   Izzy Oliver was an comedic Chutney, complete with huge curly wig and Connor Hibbert as Nicos was hilariously ‘Gay and European’.

Eloise Degenhart as Brooke Wyndham managed the agility required during ‘Whipped into Shape’ excellently.   The light-up skipping ropes was a really clever addition and all the performers in this routine showed great composure and physical fitness to carry this scene off so effectively.

With strong performances by Lucie Camps, Holly Simmons, Abi Pearson as Serena, Pilar and Margot and excellent support from Isla Motley (Leilani), Nell Tagg (Whitney), Bella Hoggart (Enid), Iris King (Gaelen) and Seb Baldwin (Carlos) the cast were the perfect age and had great energy for the roles they had been cast in.  All the cast worked well with the upbeat ensemble. The production numbers, choreographed by Amanda Tyas, were engaging and kept the pace of the show moving. 

Isaac Reid was a really sweet Emmett with charisma, a strong voice and it was clear why Elle fell for him.   He had good stage presence and a natural understated confidence on stage.  Elle Woods is a huge role as she is rarely out of the action, but Jess Habgood did a great job as whilst finding the softer side to Elle.  Reid and Habgood worked well as a couple and the audience were invested in them finding happiness together.

Set and props were moved efficiently and effectively by cast and stage crew - all done with excellent precision.  The cleverly created photo screens were used to bring the many different venues alive, from a Californian College to Yale Law, from Caravan to Court Room the audience knew exactly where the action was taking place.   

The music was excellent– congratulations to Gareth Lloyd for his work as Musical Director and Conductor.  The eight-piece live band sounded great.

Costumes were appropriate for the production and Elle had a super selection of pink!  The quick changes were well done so congratulations to the dressers who must have worked hard backstage.  The lighting captured the atmosphere of each scene perfectly and sound was excellent. 

Congratulations to the performers, Production Team and everyone who helped and supported front of house and backstage.

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