Lucie Jones and Rita Simons in Legally Blonde at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley and Touring. Picture: Robert Workman
Legally Blonde The Musical continues at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley until 23 September and then tours until 23 June 2018.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Omigod you guys! Legally Blonde is back and it does not disappoint.
Seven years after the show’s Olivier Award-winning West End run, and ten years after its Tony-nominated US production, it embarks on a new UK tour.
As many MTR readers will know, the story revolves around Elle Woods, played here by Lucie Jones, who follows her heart to Harvard law school to win back the love of her ex-boyfriend.
Jones, fresh from representing the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, completely embodies the role and it is the perfect platform for her to showcase her stunning, clear voice.
It is no surprise she has carved out a successful musical theatre career after first coming into the public consciousness as a contestant on The X Factor.
Heather Hach’s book, based on the novel by Amanda Brown (and the MGM motion picture), moves the story along at a perfect pace and features some memorable moments, including rollerskating cupids and a recurring Greek chorus of teenage girls.
Rita Simons, best known for playing Roxy Mitchell in EastEnders, shines in the role of salon owner Paulette. Her rich singing voice is both surprising and authentic to the North-East American setting.
Both David Barrett, as nice guy Emmett Forrest, and seasoned TV and theatre actor Bill Ward, as Professor Callahan, show their experience in their supporting roles.
Ward commands the stage, oozing authority, strutting around in his double- breasted suit. Barrett is equally as watchable and has a pleasing voice.
During Act I, the audience is won over by Bruiser the chihuahua who unexpectedly returns to the stage. While later on, Paulette’s canine friend Rufus the bulldog makes an appearance.
Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s score hilariously captures Elle’s transformation from airhead to Harvard graduate. Their catchy opening number, ‘Omigod You Guys’, will swim around your head for hours.
Anthony Williams’ direction and choreography (with co-choreography from Dean Street) really stands out, particularly the ‘Gay or European’, routine complete with rainbow flags.
Overall, this is a fun, feel-good musical that will leave you feeling like you have been cocooned in a giant ball of pink fluff. Go see it!
Emma Harlen
www.legallyblondethemusical.com
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