‘What You Want Warner, What You Want Is Me…’ Legally Blonde, Churchill Theatre, Bromley 18.09.2017

It was back to the Churchill Theatre for a much needed press night. Tonight’s viewing was one of my personal favs, Legally Blonde. Having seen it recently last year at the Curve in Leicester, I was intrigued to know how this one would be performed.

I took my seat in Row J seat 30, a little more towards the centre meaning I had a full view of the stage with no disruptions. But also to the side which meant if any of the performers were changing behind some of the set – especially Paulette a hair salon, they could be seen. But it wasn’t to much of a distraction with quite a lot going on, on stage!

Legally Blonde the Musical is based on the Hit 2001 film of the same name starring Reese Witherspoon of a blonde haired girl named Elle who lives in Malibu who is the President of the Delta Nu Sorority, and in love with her boyfriend Warner Huntington III very much so that when he breaks up with her at an expected proposal by all, follows him to Harvard Law School to win him back and prove to him that she is ‘serious’. Sounds crazy right but it is such a feel good story, and one loved by many, so I wont go into full detail of the synopsis cause if you haven’t seen it, OMG you guys!

Anthony Williams, director and Choreographer brings tonight’s production to life. Staying true to the musical within the script with limited changes.  The choreography had its moments, with times feeling a little simple, when Legally Blonde is quite well known for its dance numbers, but I did thoroughly enjoy numbers ‘whipped into shape’ and The Irish dancing in ‘Legally Blonde Remix’ displaying Anthony’s potential, with great steps, and skips! One big dance number was the finale, during a unexpected Legally Blonde mega mix that was performed after the bows. Unsure as to why this was put in, as opposed to the usual reprisal of Legally Blonde Remix. The cast performed many snippets of each other’s songs- similar to the mega mix that came after Joseph and his Technicolor Dreamcoat. It defiantly got the audience standing and dancing, making it a good laugh. But I am not sure if it was truly needed?

One thing that to me could have been a lot smoother was the setting. At times it felt there was too much set, meaning the scenes were prolonged, cut at awkward times to allow the set to be brought on.  For instance during song ‘Legally Blonde’, after Elle’s first verses there was a blackout which led to an applause from the audience while the set changed for Emmett to arrive? It just didn’t flow as well as the song should. Having seen the Curves production which had very minimal set and suited the show, sometimes less is better. But that being said it was very glamourising and of course and times very pink! It was also lovely to see the orchestra in the orchestra rather than on stage, allowing all performers to create some characters!

The cast were in high spirits, carrying the show well with high energy even with a few hiccups here and there with wardrobe malfunctions.

Tonight’s cast was:

Elle Woods – Lucie Jones

Paulette – Rita Simons

Professor Callahan – Bill Ward

Emmett – David Barratt

Warner – Liam Doyle

Vivienne – Laura Harrison

Brooke – Helen Petrovna

Margot – Rebecca Stenhouse

Serena – Rachel Grundy

Pilar – Delycia Belgrave

Enid Hoops – Nancy Hill

Ensemble – Mark Peachey, Rosie Needham, Michael Hamway, Felipe Bejarano, Lucyelle Cliffe, Sally Frith, Alexandra Wright, Brett Shiels, Connor Collins, Laura Mullowney, Craig Tyler.

Now as stated before, I had seen Legally Blonde last year at the Curve to which Lucie Jones shined through. Tonight once again she took on the role of Elle. Once again her character and voice is well suited for Woods, Elle but it wasn’t to the same standard as she was when seeing her at the curve, not knowing if this was due to a different direction or something she just felt at times tired. Nevertheless however I could listen to her sing all the time, with also great comic moments with having the audience giggling at some of her reactions. She really is a star on stage. Her chemistry is always greatly displayed with her love interests with Warner played by Liam Doyle, and Emmett, David Barratt. You could always tell though towards the end that her heart belonged with Emmett, which was greatly received well by David. His take on Emmett was lovely to watch, though I wanted a little more from him within his singing as at times through some songs it was lost. Liam Doyle also has a great voice but didn’t show it off, his character of Warner was good at times but again he didn’t display him to his full potential.

The Delta Nu’s were in full swing tonight with Rachel Grundy, Delycia Belgrave, and Rebecca Stenhouse taking on the roles of Pilar, Serena, and Margot. They had the looks, the moves, and voices each of them that had the audience falling in love with them due to their love for Elle and helping her. The Bend and Snap was a personal Highlight.

The two other well known names of the night were that of Rita Simons, and Bill Ward. Both known for their characters in EastEnders, most recently Rita as Roxie. Tonight it was the stage they took on, Rita was perfect for the role of Paulette from her character to the Boston accent, she has defiantly gone to the top of my list of favourite Paulettes! Her voice also is lovely and warm, to which I know she has a history in music. Bill Ward took on the role of Professor Callahan, I at first thought it was unusal as it is rare that he is played by a younger actor – having seen previously Les Dennis, and Ian Kelsey in the role. That being said however Bill was good in the role, his singing was ok but he won us over with his acting.

There is no doubt that Legally Blonde will never move from my top musical list, as every time you see it you come away smiling – and try and master the art of the Bend and Snap! It is a feel good show, that is one for all. I will never turn down a chance to see it, although in parts it may not have been perfect, but it was perfect in setting out what it was intending to do. To give the audience a great night out! I highly recommend this show, and to catch this tour!

Legally Blonde is playing at the Churchill until Saturday 23rd September, for ticket information go here. It will then embark on is UK tour, for further information go here. You will not be disappointed!