Legally Blonde, The Musical, Reviewed

WHEN editor in chief Jonathan Schofield received the invitation to 'Legally Blonde - The Musical' last week, he immediately checked his diary, realised he was washing his hair and reluctantly, let me have the tickets.

If you like the story, go and see it. I hope you think the same as me. I 'Elle'.O.V.E.D IT.

I have to admit, I was not aware that the story was a novel first of all and so I unfortunately cannot compare my experience to the book. That said, being a massive fan of the first film, I was honestly excited.  

I was also a bit sceptical.

First off, I find something strange about words that should be spoken being put to a tune. And given the musical is based an already cheesy if brilliant film that could only one thing: this theatrical experience was going to be one big block of cheese.

I was apprehensive that they may have cut some parts out for the stage version but all my favourite bits were there – ‘the video essay’, ‘the fancy dress party’ and of course ‘the bend and snap’. I really wanted it to be good and it did not disappoint.

It was pretty cheesy, yes - but it worked. The place was full and the opening sequence had people laughing almost immediately. The sorority girls gave us the first song, 'Omigod You Guys'. It's still in my head now. The music was provided by a live band who were excellent and although a few singers were slightly off key, the dancing was spot on.

Hannah Grover who played Brook Wyndham amazed me with her ability to sing note perfect whilst jumping and skipping around during  'Whipped into Shape' and the cast worked so well with each other in one of the productions biggest songs, 'There! Right there!’

This was a particularly funny song where the court tries to work out if the defendant is gay or European. Although this question isn’t raised in the film, it made a funny point and I felt it a welcome addition to the show.

Jerry Mitchell directed and choreographed the show wonderfully. The scene changes were smooth and the dancing was matched expertly to add to each mood throughout the musical. The whole cast really captured the emotions of the story and by the interval, the only conversations to be heard were those regarding the small pots of ice-cream on sale or those expressing their thorough enjoyment of the show so far.

Faye Brookes played the lead role of Elle perfectly and added a note of humour naturally. She really captured and portrayed the initial neediness of the character at the beginning and her independence in the final scenes. Let's also mention Kyle the 'UPS Guy' played by Lewis Griffiths who had everyone in stitches with his cartoon-like walk, apt 'theme tune' and short shorts and Iwan Lewis played a dorky Emmet to perfection.

The use of dogs within the production was of course necessary with Bruiser and Rufus being main parts of the story and they were so well behaved. I noticed most of the cast were armed with pockets full of dog treats to keep them in line and it did the trick.

The only thing that possibly stopped me from enjoying it to the fullest was knowing that, once finished, I had to sit down and write this. My first ever review. And that was made easier by it being such an enjoyable performance. If you like the story, go and see it. I hope you think the same as me. I 'Elle'.O.V.E.D IT.

Legally Blonde - The musical is at The Opera House until October 29 and tickets are priced from £22.50

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