Legally Blonde is a musical based on the novel of the same name by Amanda Brown and the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.
It tells the story of Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrols at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner. She discovers how her knowledge of the law can help others, and successfully defends exercise queen Brooke Wyndham in a murder trial.
The show premiered in San Francisco, before a move to Broadway in 2007, receiving seven Tony nominations. The West End production opened in 2010 and was nominated for five Olivier Awards, winning three including 'Best New Musical'.
And that's a point I think we need to stress that 'Legally Blonde' is so much more than a pink, fluffy love story. The show has sequins and sparkle, but its also a vocally demanding, high energy salute to equality and not judging a book by its cover. It deals with some important issues and is as relevant today as it was when it made its debut almost two decades ago.
In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this production fixes so many of the issues I've seen in previous shows, and adds an extra layer of sparkle on top.
The design for this show is the first thing that hits you. There are differences between this production and previous incarnations, some of which have drawn criticism for losing a 'period' feel. Whilst there's definitely a charm to the original 2000s feel of previous productions, and a clear link back to the film, I'm not convinced that the 'new look' Legally needs to stick to that to be relevant and enjoyable.
Part of the principle of this show is that Elle could be anybody in any decade and the push back's she's subject to aren't exclusive to a specific generation. It's also important to note that this is a young cast - a number of whom have a presence online which is bringing younger audiences into theatres and that's never something to be scoffed at. If adding some neon lights and reimagining a few lines will do that, then count me in!
That said, what really makes a show like this is the cast and with some slick choreography and some incredibly energetic musical numbers, nobody has a place to hide. Without doubt, the company on stage at The Alex tonight definitely show why British theatre is right at the top of its game. They gave us a world class performance - if there was an award for casting, the Legally team should take it home!
Karen Mavundukure takes on the role of Paulette and grabs it with both hands. An immediate hit with the audience, Mavundukure has a strong singing voice and her presence on the stage is commanding. She moulds into every facet of Paulette's character and creates a believable and strong female rather than, what can sometimes be, an exaggerated character who is played just for laughs.
George Crawford is exemplary as Emmett, giving the character a 'misunderstood' edge. Having already performed with our leading lady in a previous show, their connection and chemistry is palpable meaning Crawford is more than a safe pair of hands for the role.
We also need to mention Annabelle Terry who absolutely knocks it out the park as Vivienne this evening - there's a couple of belting high notes that we're all waiting for, but also her style and sass in the role are superb.
Our three Delta Nu's are also exceptional. Again, a role that, in other productions can be glossed over, this interpretation really makes use of them - something the show benefits massively from. Rosanna Harris, Remi Ferdinand and Hannah Lowther bring a new edge, incredible talent and a dynamic that hits differently.
Lowther in particular, who alternates the role of Elle with Amber Davies for one show a week, should be given special mention. Because of illness, she's probably played Elle as much as she's played Margot so to be on par with her contemporaries showcases her undeniable talent and stamina.
In fact, talking of Davies, what an incredible talent. At 29-years-old she already has a CV that many performers would kill for, and from the moment she opened her mouth in 'Omigod You Guys' to the end of the final medley, she had the audience in the palm of her hand. Put the reality TV days to one side - Amber is one of the new generations of leading lady without a doubt.
As well as being a confident and endearing actress, Davies' vocals tonight were simply stunning. Her rendition of the shows title song was nothing short of breathtakingly poignant and she had the audience hanging on every word.
I've never seen a performer evoke so much solidarity to a character as Davies does and, with so much of the show hanging on Elle, her performance of the character was nothing short of a masterclass in musical theatre.
One thing I think it's also worth mentioning is the amount of non-sensical press coverage that this musical has gotten, for all of the wrong reasons.
There is so much within the production that the media should be giving column inches to but seemingly that's not their agenda. Our two leading ladies have been critiqued for personifying the character they play - and whilst anyone would think that wasn't right, people who have seen the show know it's incredibly unfair.
Both Lowther and Davies have a following on social media that numbers into the millions, but to suggest a decent TikTok following gets you a gig like Elle Woods is demeaning to their talent and to the team behind the show.
Maybe in years to come, someone will write a musical about a woman who aspires to dream big and has to push back against criticism and glass ceilings just to get the job she wants. Sarcasm intended.
Legally Blonde plays at the Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 4th April. For more information and tickets, visit atgtickets.com.
