Music/lyrics Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin

Book:Heather Hach

Director: Jerry Mitchell

Reviewer: John Roberts

The Public Reviews Rating:

Having already taken the West End by storm, this musical adaptation of the hit MGM film of the same name, returns for a second stint at the largest regional theatre in the UK, and judging by the sell out capacity crowd is still pulling in the punters without much effort.

For Elle Woods, female president of Delta Nu sorority house and 4 point average fashion student, things are going well, until long term boyfriend Warner Huntington the Third calls off their relationship to go into law and find something a bit more “Serious”. Heartbroken and destroyed she sets out to win a place at prestigious Harvard Law School and show Warner just what he is missing out on, only discover that love is waiting for her in the unlikeliest of places.

For logistical reasons the set has been downsized for the tour, but unfortunately the producers never took the wobble factor into accounts making it look more like a love child of 80s soap Crossroads, a real shame as it is this area that really lets the, otherwise excellently produced, show down.

Jerry Mitchell’s direction and choreography has also had some changes made for the UK tour but the philosophy of highly energised dance routines and a perfect blend of comedy and drama that made its London sister so popular stays firmly intact.

Ray Quinn gives a reasonable turn as Warner, far more suited to this role than Danny in Grease, however he still lacks the ability to dig deep into the character, leaving his performance rather flat in comparison to his more rounded co-stars. Claire Sweeney pleasantly surprises with her portrayal of Paulette, and her rendition of “Ireland” perhaps the best I have ever seen. Les Dennis is suitably sharp and acerbic as the lecherous Callaghan.

Iwan Lewis as tutor and confidante Emmett stands out strong, really blossoming during the second half of the show, whilst Charlotte Harwood as Vivienne and Hannah Grover as murderer Brooke give strong support.

Legally Blonde however is a show completely designed around the unlikely heroine Elle Woods and relative theatrical newcomer Faye Brooks excels in a role she was clearly born to play. Strong on vocals and oozing charisma and comedy timing throughout, she firmly makes the show all about her and that deserves major kudos and a few big *snaps* of recognition.

Legally Blonde is a musical that has been adapted with care and thought and O’Keefe and Benjamin’s catchy tunes will stay long in your mind for days after. My suggestion would be to catch the tour as soon as possible Before it closes in June and joins the alumni of musical theatre history.

Runs until Saturday 11th Feb and continues to tour

Tags: Charlotte Harwood, Claire Sweeney, Empire Theatre, Faye Brooks, Hannah Grover, Heather Hach, Iwan Lewis, Laurence O'Keefe, Legally Blonde, Les Dennis, Liverpool, Musical, Nell Benjamin, Ray Quinn