Lucie Jones as Elle Woods in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Photo Credit: Robert Workman
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL is a feisty, funny and fabulous production packed full of charm, energy and heart
OMG, you guys! Dust off your little pink dress because LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL has finally arrived in Manchester for a week-long run at the Palace Theatre.
Based on the hit 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL tells the story of popular sorority sister Elle Woods (Lucie Jones). Dumped by her boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Liam Doyle) for a more serious girlfriend, Elle puts down the credit cards and picks up the books to bag herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law School to try and win Warner back. With the support of her new friends Emmett (David Barrett) and Paulette (Rita Simons), she learns that you can be both smart and fashionable.
From the moment you enter the auditorium, it soon becomes clear that you’re in for a big, bold and bright treat with LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Everything about this production screams pink, from Jon Harris, Jason Bishop and David Shields’ Barbie-doll style set design to Nev Milsom’s bright and colourful lighting design. From the infectious opening number to the rousing finale, Director and choreographer Anthony Williams never lets the pace sag, delivering a feisty, funny and fabulous production packed with charm, energy and heart.
Lucie Jones as Elle and Liam Doyle as Warner in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Photo: Robert Workman
Portraying the character with sass, strength and sex appeal, Lucie Jones proves herself more than capable of filling Reese Witherspoon’s shoes in the role of Elle Woods, Her spot-on comic timing is beautifully matched by her impressive emotional range and her vocal performance is simply superb.
The supporting cast is equally excellent, particularly Rita Simons, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in BBC’s EASTENDERS, as Paulette Bonafonté, Simons plays the character with just the right balance of confidence and longing and her chemistry with Ben Harlow’s Kyle is well matched. Elsewhere, David Barett brings warmth and likeability to Emmett Forrest, the geeky associate who quickly falls for Elle, while CORONATION STREET’s Bill Ward brings just the right amount of smarm and sleaze to the role of Professor Callahan.
Ben Harlow as Kyle and Rita Simons as Paulette in LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL. Photo: Robert Workman
As expected, the show is packed full of music, singing and dancing to keep you entertained with Helen Petrovna’s impressive rendition of WHIPPED INTO SHAPE in which she performs a complex skipping exercise routine while belting out a full-on musical number, particularly standing out as a highlight, as well as the hilarious THERE! RIGHT THERE! (GAY OR EUROPEAN?)
Those familiar with LEGALLY BLONDE will know the story is admittedly slight and is packed full of stereotypes from comedy foreigners to camp gays. But behind the sequins and sparkle is a show full of heart and an important message about equality and not judging a book by its cover.
Overall, a fun, uplifting, feel-good show that is sure to put a smile on your face.
LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL runs at Palace Theatre, Manchester until 30 June 2018.
Donna is the Founder and Editor of Frankly, My Dear UK. By day, she works as a digital marketing specialist, by night she reviews film, theatre and music for a wide range of publications including WhatsonStage and The Reviews Hub. Loves Formula 1, prosecco and life.
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