Legally Blonde with Amber Davies on tour – review

Since the iconic 2001 film Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon, first reached our screens, its story has made its way to Broadway in 2007, an Olivier Award-winning West End production in 2010 and now a major UK and Ireland tour.

Delighted to say that Heather Hach’s musical adaptation of Legally Blonde stays true to the original story. We meet undergraduates Elle Woods (Amber Davies) and her boyfriend now ex, Warner Huntington III (Jamie Chatterton). Elle believes they will be together forever, but Warner is heading to the prestigious Harvard Law School and needs to get serious. For him and his family, that means ending his fluffy relationship with Elle. Cue the duet “Serious”.

Determined to win him back, Elle follows him to Harvard, where people wear black “even when no one has died”. Her parents think law school is for “boring, ugly people” – the opposite of their optimistic, pink-obsessed daughter.

Warner quickly settles for Vivienne (Annabelle Terry) – a  brunette, who is earnestly academic and does not have a hint of pink in her wardrobe.

Legally Blonde excels as a lesson in not judging a book by its cover and having the steely determination to live a life outside of the limitations that others may put upon us. This comes through in spades via Davies’ star quality who maintains high energy and infectious positivity and good vibes throughout, as she morphs into an aspiring albeit unlikely big-shot lawyer having impressively obtaining a much sought-after internship.

The talented cast and ensemble consistently deliver Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s sharp music and lyrics with flair. I’m still singing the irresistibly catchy “Omigod You Guys” whilst writing this review. As the film marks its 25th anniversary, it’s also heartening to see diversity in all its forms reflected on stage.

Karen Mavundukure brings pure joy and powerhouse vocals to the role of Elle’s bubbly bestie, Paulette. Whether dancing, singing or making us laugh out loud, she lights up every scene. The audience responds with rapturous applause, especially after her solos.

Elle’s new love interest Emmett (George Crawford) brings genuine chemistry between them as she slowly transforms him and his wardrobe into the man of her dreams. Equally the chemistry between Paulette and heartthrob UPS driver Kyle (Ty-Reece Stewart) is great to see.

Choreographer Leah Hill is impressive. The lyrics and choreography in act two’s “Whipped Into Shape” are particularly enjoyable, especially the skipping ropes and Double Dutch-inspired routine.

Through song, the themes explored in Legally Blonde are done subtly leaving us time to ponder – from feminism and self-love to how easy those in authority can behave inappropriately and then punish those who thwart their unwanted advances. They also make us question our biases during the hilariously funny numbers “There! Right There!” and “Bend and Snap”, which make the audience erupt in laughter when they arguably shouldn’t.

Colin Richmond’s set design is vibrant and modern but creative with a keen eye for detail and Ben Cracknell’s lighting adds plenty of glamour and sparkle throughout.

Elle’s adorable Chihuahua, Bruiser Woods (played by Sprout) melts our hearts. It is the first time I’ve seen a real dog portray a character on stage, but the show goes one better with a second canine star: Paulette’s bulldog, Rufus (Rocco). Both are credited in the programme and join the curtain call – an extra treat for dog lovers and youngsters in the audience.

Having loved the movie, it’s always rewarding seeing an adaptation that does not disappoint its fans and Legally Blonde the Musical ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly, feel-good rom-com.