Legally Blond, The Musical

Oh my God, you guys! Legally Blonde The Musical is back on the road across the UK, delivering a high-octane, glitter-infused dose of pure joy. Under Nikolai Foster’s slick, inventive direction, this touring production proves that nearly 20 years after its Broadway debut, Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s pop-rock score remains as razor-sharp, energetic, and surprisingly heartwarming as ever.

The film, Legally Blonde, was released in 2001 and became an instant pop-culture phenomenon, defining a generation of modern romantic comedies. Based on Amanda Brown’s novel inspired by her own experiences as a fashion-loving student at Stanford Law School, the film stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a bubbly Malibu sorority president who enrols at Harvard Law to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner. Packed with iconic catchphrases, unforgettable fashion moments, and the legendary “bend and snap,” the movie subverted classic blonde stereotypes by delivering an empowering story about self-discovery, female solidarity, and remaining unapologetically true to oneself. Made on a modest budget, it earned nearly $142 million worldwide and solidified Witherspoon as a major Hollywood lead.

After the enormous success of the film and video releases, Legally Blond The Musical premiered in San Francisco in 2007, prior to opening on Broadway at the Palace Theatre, where it earned seven Tony nominations.  Transferring to London’s West End in 2009, with Sheridan Smith starring as Elle Woods, the show became a global success and won three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, launching long-running national tours around the world.

Strictly Come Dancing finalist, Amber Davies, gives a radiant performance as Elle, proving she’s not just a nifty dancer, but a belting singer with great comedic timing.  Supported throughout by her little pooch ‘Bruiser Woods’, Sprout is the cutest sight in his matching costumes, upstaging everyone on each appearance.

With over 30 years’ experience as a performer, starting out at the Royal Ballet, Adam Cooper commands the stage with his presence and powerful vocals as Callahan.

The rigours of a musical theatre tour have taken its toll on some of the cast members, who are suffering with the ‘autumn bug’. This gives the understudies a chance to play the roles and Louie Wood stepped into the role of Emmett with ease, giving a warm and credible performance. Keanna Bloomfield, as Paulette, makes the most of her showstopping number ‘Ireland’ and comedy routines with the hunky UPS man, played with relish by Ty-Reece Stewart. Jocasta Almgill has one of the most challenging dance numbers, as Brooke, with an incredible skipping-rope routine whilst belting out ‘Whipped Into Shape’.  Rocco, as Rufus, perhaps doesn’t have the same cute appeal as Sprout, but he also delivers what he’s required to do.

The costumes are a sumptuous array of colours, sparkly and dazzling, the set is cleverly designed and the whole cast gives energetic performances that draw you into their world. Legally Blonde is an irresistibly joyful and empowering ride that leaves you feeling wildly confident, ridiculously optimistic, and ready to conquer the world in full pink.

Tour dates: https://legallyblondeshow.com/

Reviewed by:

Yvonne Delahaye (X – @yvonnedelahaye)

6.10.26