86 replies to this topic

[fichrist]

Niki Evans is a fab Paulette too !!! xx

[Suzy233]

hopefully i'll get chance to see her x

[wickedlover]

This show was fantastic managed to catch both the matinee and the evening show yesterday (Belfast)...probably the first touring show that has surpassed or at least matched the West End version.
Faye Brookes' as Elle was just amazing, her Legally Blonde Remix was probably one of the highlights...she is the only Elle I have noticed to actually look as if she is examining the navy outfit and questioning her next move whilst Vivienne is singing, before coming out in that little pink number. While from previous experience from seeing the show and various videos just show different Elle's standing there grinning into space, before just declaring 'I'm never wearing that again.' Just examining the navy outfit and having a 'thinking' expression on her face, has made Faye my new favourite Elle.
Stephen Ashfield as Emmett...wow, just wow.
Niki Evans as Paulette...good, but slipped up a few times on the accent, she was on for the matinee, but had her understudy for the evening show who was quite impressive, especially as she hit the high note in 'Ireland'
Had Sophie Issacs as Serena, and 1st cover Margot for the matinee, but it was back to normal cast for the evening show...when it came to the Greek Chorus, I definately preferred the normal cast, Sophie seemed to be a bit too high-pitched for Serena.
Les Dennis...not much I can say, he acted well, but singing was just ok.
Ray Quinn has definately improved since his days in Grease, he was able to hold up the accent whilst singing, and he even manage to prevent his normal nasaly voice from emerging while he was singing...was really impressed.
The dogs were just adorable.
And wow...Lewis Griffiths! I'm not that way inclined, but I seriously would not kick him out of bed...boycrush.

[souchyboyy]

Saw the opening night in Oxford on Tues - Gareth's first night. Thought I'd share my views.

Right, so other than no lift, and no Delta Nu house, there are no differences at all. It is as it was in London, and I'd argue as good.

Faye - best Elle I've seen or heard. Vocally, she is OUTSTANDING. She is absolutely perfect in the role, and had the right sense of vulnerability and confidence Elle needs. Carley Stenson take note.
Iwan - again, vocally brilliant. Thought he was very very good too
Andy Mace - odd seeing him as Callahan, having only seen Peter before and usually seeing Andy in nice parts(Dr Dillamond). Still, he can sing really well, not a huge need for Callahan but doesnt matter, still a massive bastard who deserves that slap!
Rhona McGregor - understudy for Jennifer Ellison as Paulette. I  adored her, mainly because she belted the octave at the end of Ireland Reprise. It just sounded stunning and i actually stood at the end of the song for her. Just ACE.
Gareth Gates: Meh. First night as Warner so he'll get better. Its not a big part, Serious was alright and proved he can sing i guess. Nothing really special to be honest.
Tracy Penn: WHAT A VIVIENNE. Talk about belting. LB Remix was fabulous. So bitchy until then, and her final note was totally in chest voice, belted like there was no tomorrow. FAB.
Hannah Grover: Didn't really like her as Brooke, still good, but her voice isnt massively  strong.
Margot Serena Pilar werent anything special, good for what they needed to be really.
Lewis: What a UPS guy. Seriously, what a looker! so so so good, biggest cheer of the night by far.
And as everyone comments i will too: Gemma is pretty pathetic as Enid. Not strong at all.

Overall, an absolutely fantastic night out in the theatre. Been over two years since I last saw it but worth the wait. Go and see this tour. SO SO SO worth it.

[Carmella1]

Carley Stenson take note????  Well that is nasty, and you are an authority I pressume.  I saw Carley and thought she was a lovely Elle.  Why don't you tweet that to her rather than saying it blindly on here.  Anyone can say who they prefer but the way you said it not nice.  And if you had not seen it in two years did you even see Carley's Elle?  You are a nasty person.

[Zippy]

Carley was great as Elle, there are loads more differences between the tour and the London show and Faye is good and if you think she's the best Elle ever then you are entitled to your opinion but I'd go see Carley as Elle again before I'd go to see Faye again!

[DanielWhit]

Might have difficulty seeing Carley again, though I get the symbolism.

Personally, Carley's Elle was not to my taste - and I've not seen Faye to be able to compare.

[Titan]

I dont think Souchyboyys post was that harsh to be honest, infact he praises a lot. Maybe as Carley fans youre being a bit sensitive? Everyone likes different things afterall. I cant say I agree with him personally, id say if anyone should 'take note' it would be Sheridan Smith who great as she was, played Elle too much for laughs and goofy and never got the California Valley girl at all. Faye gets the balance just right.  But as I say im sure there are loads that would disagree on that.

[souchyboyy]

Wasn't trying to be rude or anything. No i didn't see Carley, and i know recordings don't tend to do people justice, but none of the ones i herd were any good. But i think she's fabulous as Fiona, so its not that I don't like CARLEY. I just didn't think she was suited to Elle

[Zippy]

How can you make judgement on Carley's Elle if you've never seen her perform? Recordings are not the same. You don't see her little facial expressions, mannerisms, little comedy moments or any of her acting. That's what I loved about her Elle. She wasn't the best Elle vocally, compared to say Susan McFadden but I liked how she acted the role and I found she improved a lot towards the end of her run compared to the beginning.