Legally Blonde - musical review

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With everything turned pink and lawyer lingo at the ready, Leicester Curve has opened the hugely anticipated UK tour of Legally Blonde. Starring Amber Davies as the iconic Elle Woods, and an entourage of immense names surrounding her, this mission for love certainly takes the stage by storm. 

Nikolai Foster once again demonstrates his direction expertise, presenting another piece to further affirm his accolades. The dynamic show is punchy throughout, with 'Omigod You Guys' creating an opening sequence that instantly engages. Bold and bright costumes by Tom Rogers, paired with Leah Hill's fast-paced and thoughtful choreography consistently offer a fun appeal to match the witty plotline, with music and lyrics devised by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin. Sticking to the cult-classic narrative, the production sees Elle entering the realms of Harvard Law School, in a bid to chase after the undeserving Warner (Jamie Chatterton).

Set and lighting by Colin Richmond and Ben Cracknell respectively bring the narrative to life in all its sparkle, with hues of pink contrasting the dark expectations of becoming a lawyer. Fostering a storyline with messages of ambition, courage to follow gut instincts, and sticking to your own sense of style, there are some neat take-away points. However, a comedy at heart, Legally Blonde proves itself to be genuinely amusing, with quick quips and strong characterisation leaving audiences satisfied but not oversaturated. No spoilers here, but with a track called 'Gay or European?', you know you'll be in for a wacky ride!

As the 'Greek Chorus', Margot (Hannah Lowther), Serena (Rosanna Harris) and Pilar (Remi Ferdinand) are the bubbly besties that pop up just at the right time to offer their support, especially needed when teaching Paulette - a hilarious personality, embraced by Karen Mavundukure - to 'Bend and Snap'. Vivienne (Annabelle Terry) and the charm of Emmett (George Crawford) are two you will get to know well as the plot progresses, alongside Callahan (Adam Cooper), who brings an air of tyranny whenever present. The company as a whole gel beautifully, with not a soul out of place amongst the immense energy and humorous bouts.

A particularly enjoyable aspect of the show is that its theatrical magic is purely through performance. Met with a wave of 'awwww's on every appearance, having the two real pups brings a new level of connection to the live reality of the piece that is surely adored whether you are a dog-lover or not (Elle would not approve of the latter though!). As if her stage presence was not enough, Jocosta Almgill triumphs leading the Act 2 opener, 'Whipped into Shape' with one of the most physically and vocally demanding combinations in musical theatre; backed by a cohort of perfectly-synced skippers. There is no chance of watching the sequence without being totally immersed in the wonder of how they do it. It's quite refreshing to see this pure talent not overcompensated by various technological effects, and still be recognised brilliance.

Dubbed the 'ultimate feel-good rom-com', there's no denying the claim to be true. Legally Blonde is an absolute cracker in its current form, with a cast that stuns, certainly giving justice to those that have come before, and the hit film of which it originated. Many commendations to all involved. You won't want to miss this one, so get yourself donned in pink, whipped into shape; bend and snap up those tickets quick!