A true explosion of pink powered passion

I think everybody has seen the riled up comments stemming from a dress rehearsal and preview curtain call video circulating on TikTok and although I know to take previews with a pinch of salt, I still was apprehensive about the show.

The movie is truly iconic, as is the musical. It’s actually a superb piece of writing and it’s evident that Nikolai Foster has been able to have so much fun with it and really modernise it whilst remaining true to what works. And this show works.

Legally Blonde had such a buzz with Amber Davies, Hannah Lowther and Daisy Twells all confirmed to be starring (and proving they are worth their hype!), and sometimes with a buzz comes a sting. But, Legally Blonde deserves every bit of buzz and chatter it has had, because it’s caused a stir and it’s a hit.

Amber Davies really delivers as Miss Woods comma Elle. She certainly appears to be having the time of her life on that stage, and if she isn’t bringing one of her dream roles to life right now, she’d had us all believe it to be true. Amber shows Elle is strong yet vulnerable, carefree yet caring and she manages all those emotions with ease. Dance wise and vocally she delivers throughout but it’s So Much Better which she truly shines, and there’s a comedic vocal in there too which will have the audience snapping in agreement!

Choreographer Leah Hill does fantastically, and I’ll be surprised if the curtain call doesn’t become a TikTok phenomenon! This choreography is upbeat, fun and must put the cast through their paces (even though it doesn’t appear so!). I don’t think anybody can deny that Whipped Into Shape must be one of the most impressive vocal dance numbers ever. Jocasta Almgill is superb as Brooke, and her “bye” might become my vocal stim for the week and her facial expressions may just be labelled iconic.

George Crawford as Emmett is genuinely so likeable and has excellent chemistry with Amber as Elle. Crawford has his moment during Chip on my Shoulder and certainly delivers but it’s Legally Blonde (title track) which stood out. I don’t think anybody will not mention Karen Mavundukure as Paulette because wow, what a standout! Her movement, her vocals, her loveable energy… that IS Paulette. I LOVE her. She is THE moment. Adam Cooper who previously was in A Chorus Line plays a similar role in Callahan and Cooper is a true natural in this field. Strong on stage and such a presence. Another mention goes to Daisy Twells who has more changes and roles than I could count. I don’t think I’ve ever watched someone in the ensemble as much as I did when Twells was having her hair done and declining the drink, or when she missed out on Callahan’s internship. Twells is often a spotlight stealer in the best possible way. Likewise, Elle’s Greek chorus in Hannah Lowther as Margot, Remi Ferdinand as Pilar and Rosanna Harris as Serena are brilliant and fun.

Set wise, the staging is super clever and seamless. Of course, there’s plenty of pink lighting to set the mood, but the addition of set pieces to transform us from Malibu to Harvard to Elle’s Dorm room to Callahan’s office to the courtroom so quickly but with detail is superb craft. I loved the H style grand bookcase of Callahan’s office and also the miniature Harvard set piece.

If you’ve got tickets to Legally Blonde, you’ll spend the evening laughing and filled with absolute joy. It is escapism, feminism and an absolute pleasure to watch. I LOVED IT!

On at Curve until 21st February before embarking on a nationwide tour!

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