Legally Blonde the musical is full on silly, pink, and fun. As in the film, it follows the story of Elle Woods as she goes to Harvard Law School to try and win back Warner Huntington who has dumped her to follow his dream of becoming a lawyer, because he thinks she’ll hold him back.
The reoccurring assumption is that Elle is a bit ditsy and is a stereotypical blonde, which is far from the case. Elle herself never lets this get in her way, though, as she consistently outwits people that try and put her down.
Elle was played by 2009 X-Factor finalist, Lucie Jones, who showed that not only is she a cracking singer, but she has acting abilities to match. She brought Elle from the silver screen and on to the stage, and definitely earned the standing ovation she got at the end.
Bill Ward who has featured in various television soaps played the cocksure lawyer Professor Callahan, who all the students are seeking to impress so they can secure a place in his law firm. If you imagine Richard Gere in Chicago, that’s who he reminded me of.
Another member of the cast that has to be mentioned is Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell in Eastenders) with her amazing Paulette Bonafonte, the Salon owner, who is almost like an agony aunt to Elle. When she sang she really brought Broadway to us with a soulful, bluesy, voice.
It’s a very musical musical, in that it is singing the whole way through, so be prepared for that, but it is very upbeat, so you’ll be dancing in your seats rather than fidgeting. Making sure to keep what we know and love in the production, there is a brilliant number on the Bend and Snap. The choreographed skipping rope dance made me out of breath watching it.
The set was bright and fun, much like, as I said before, was the whole musical. It could be very tongue in cheek at points, but very funny at the same time. Maybe not one for younger members of the family, but nothing that would be offensive if they were to go along. I myself had a wonderful time.
At Theatre Royal until Saturday 19th May, tickets can be booked here.
Review by Johnny Banks
