Review – Legally Blonde the Musical – Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham and National Tour

Inspired by the 2001 film of the same name, Legally Blonde tells the story of Elle Woods, who is head-over-heels in love with her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III. Upon buying a new outfit thinking he is going to propose, he breaks up with her, saying he wants someone more ‘serious’, as he is about to begin studying law at Harvard University. Thus, Elle devises a plan to get into Harvard, prove to Warner she is the ‘serious’ girl he wants, and win him back. After meeting new friends Emmett and Paulette along the way, Elle discovers a lot more than simply following after the man who treated her so terribly.

Amber Davies undeniably shines playing Elle Woods, showcasing her talents as a true triple threat in the musical theatre industry. As a performer, she embodies every character that comes her way, and completely owns the role of Elle as if it were the part she were born to play. Every nuance of Davies’ performance through acting, vocal ability and dance is meticulously perfect. Her breath control and skillset during the act one closing number, So Much Better, is sensational.

For this performance she played opposite James Lim, understudying the role of Emmett Forrest on the show’s UK tour, who makes the character so incredibly loveable. He makes Emmett’s silent adoration of Elle, balanced perfectly with his friendship, so amazingly special, particularly during the number Chip on my Shoulder.

Another stand-out performer is Adam Cooper as Professor Callaghan, exposing his stern character in Blood in the Water, he fantastically portrays the severe professor. Eventually turning the plot in an unexpected twist, Cooper creates such a believable character through the simplicity of his ‘still-ness’, posture, physicality and overall characterisation, complimented by his fantastic vocals.

Throughout the show, the audience is swept along on the journey with Elle, contrasting the serious moments of the piece with the utterly hilarious. There! Right There! (Gay or European?) is a number which never fails to have the audience in hysterics, especially when in the hands of the hilarious Jamie Tait and Bradley Delarosbel, and is a true stand out number of this production, with others including So Much Better, What You Want and Whipped Into Shape.

Far from a ‘cheesy’ adaptation from screen to stage, Legally Blonde takes you through highs and lows, with spectacular performances and a score so amazing and catchy that you are bound to be singing Omigod You Guys in your head for at least the following 3-5 business days. It’s fun, it’s colourful and yet the simplicity of the production is what makes this touring production stand out so much. Do not hesitate to book tickets! What… like it’s hard?

*****   5 stars