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Legally Blonde The Musical – 4 Stars

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Blonde

Legally Blonde The Musical

New Wimbledon Theatre

Reviewed – 18th June 2018

★★★★

“so delightfully implausible that we have total faith in its fanciful outcome”

 

One of the central messages of “Legally Blonde – the Musical” is not to judge a book by its cover, because appearances can be deceptive. On paper, this musical is ludicrously absurd. Yet the story of the fluffy, seemingly empty-headed Elle Woods who rises to courtroom stardom is so delightfully implausible that we have total faith in its fanciful outcome.

Elle, dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington, blags her way into Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. She soon discovers, though, that her aptitude for the law can help others and she eventually defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial. Throughout the show, no one has faith in Elle, but she manages to surprise them when she defies expectations, while still remaining true to herself.

Based on the MGM movie starring Reese Witherspoon, the stage adaptation enjoyed Broadway success, followed by an Olivier award winning West End run. This current touring production is slightly scaled down but lacks none of the energy. Mercifully so, for it is that sheer energy that lifts you over the initial hurdles; so that once you get over the gratingly Disneyfied accents, the saccharine score and the sometimes-patronising delivery, you will have a ball.

Lucie Jones pours warmth into Elle Wood’s character that wins us over from the start, with a power and control to her voice that can switch, mid-flight, from soaring beauty to comedy with perfect timing. David Barrett’s raggedly winsome sidekick Emmett totally charms the audience so that you know that he will eventually win Elle’s heart. Helen Petrovna, as murder suspect Brooke Wyndham, stunningly opens the second act with some spectacular skipping routines, from where she, and the entire ensemble, lift the performance to another level.

Yet the show stealer is Rita Simons as Paulette, the spirited salon owner who takes Elle under her wing. Completely in her element she has a comfort on stage that belies her television background, matched by a fine grasp of comedy and, to top it all, a stirring and rich singing voice that is a revelation. Her professionalism allows her to let her hair down just enough to let us know she is having a great time, while her infectious, tongue-in-cheek charisma embodies the spirit of the show.

The tightness of Anthony Williams’ high energy staging and choreography whip away any scruples you might have about enjoying this show. Uplifting to the last, with a finale that will bring the lamest grouch to his feet: it’s like being on a date that starts off a bit annoyingly – but you know you’re going to end up falling in love.

 

Reviewed by Jonathan Evans

Photography by Robert Workman

 


Legally Blonde The Musical

New Wimbledon Theatre until 23rd June then UK Tour continues to Palace Theatre Manchester

 

 

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Review of Legally Blonde The Musical – 4 Stars

Legally

Legally Blonde

Churchill Theatre, Bromley

Reviewed – 21st September 2017

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 

“full of fun, comedy and pink pizzazz”

 

If you’re a keen musical theatre fan, you should be familiar with the story of Elle Woods, which has been delighting audiences since its stage debut on Broadway in 2007. Elle, a blonde bundle of energy, follows ex-boyfriend Warner, who wants a partner who is “less of a Marilyn, more a Jackie”, to Harvard Law School in an attempt to win him back. Struggling at first to fit in with her snobby peers, she soon learns the importance of staying true to herself and defies everyone’s expectations, showing there’s more to her than meets the eye. 

The only person on her side at first is law teaching assistant Emmett, played by David Barrett, who brings a personable charm to the role. Lucie Jones lights up the stage as Elle Woods, her comic timing is impeccable and she also proves herself as a first-class actress during the more serious moments in the show. Vocally, she is note-perfect and her stunning tone is a joy to listen to throughout the production. Watching the pair’s relationship blossom is a delight and there’s real chemistry between the actors making it even more believable.

Another standout performance comes from Rita Simons as Paulette, a funny, spirited hairdresser who befriends Elle. She commands the stage with confidence and great vocal talent and is met with an appreciative response from the audience following her heartfelt, strong performance of “Ireland”.

The ensemble should be commended for their sustained energy, particularly those involved in the well choreographed skipping sequence in “Whipped into Shape”, which opens Act 2.

The production includes exciting lighting and visual effects, including the clever use of UV skipping ropes which proved to be very effective. Jon Harris, Jason Bishop and David Shields’ set design is also good, particularly for the Harvard and courtroom scenes, which are brought to life well.

Directed and choreographed by Anthony Williams, this current UK touring production of Legally Blonde is full of fun, comedy and pink pizzazz, highlighting the importance of staying true to yourself. Whether you’re a long-standing Legally Blonde fan or have never seen it, you’re sure to leave the theatre on a pink, fluffy high, humming the catchy songs all the way home.

 

Reviewed by Emily K Neal

Photography by Robert Workman

 

 

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

is at The Churchill Theatre, Bromley until 23rd September followed by UK Tour

 

Legally Blonde The Musical

 

 

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