The blonde is back: aspiring lawyer Elle Woods is going to Harvard and beyond in this touring production of the musical adaptation of the hit Reese Witherspoon movie.
The 2001 film told the story of how sorority girl Elle decides to enrol at Harvard to try to win back her former boyfriend Warner, who thinks her blonde locks and pink outfits are too superficial for his political aspirations.
Against the odds she makes it to class – and once there outshines the rest of the students, helps a fitness guru beat a murder charge, and finds out that her aspirations go further then her truly vapid former sweetheart.
Amber Davies is suitably perky as Elle, with decent vocals, but we get little of the warmth that made Witherspoon’s performance so winning. Leah Hill’s choreography doesn’t give her much to do either, and Nikolai Foster’s direction runs through especially the first act with such aggressive speed that there’s little time to get to know her.
With the exception of Blood In The Water – which Adam Cooper comfortably MCs – the songs are mostly loud, brash, and breathless, squandering some generally witty lyrics. Our introduction to Karen Mavundukure’s Paulette – a hairdresser and effective fairy godmother to Elle – slides towards manic, but thankfully is rescued after the interval with a thoroughly enjoyable Bend and Snap.
The break serves as welcome respite and reset, with a much more measured – and successful pace – following. Jocasta Almgill is impressive both physically and vocally as she skips her way through Whipped Into Shape, and the wider cast deliver a spot-on rendition of There! Right There! (better known to anyone who has seen the show as Gay or European?). Everything gets a bit more space to breathe.
Possibly the biggest audience reactions are reserved for the canine co-stars Sprout as Elle’s dog Bruiser, and Rocco as Paulette’s pooch Rufus, and they are remarkably well-disciplined given the audio-visual bonanza surrounding them. The copious treats I’m sure helped, but still.
In some ways the production delivers on the promise: there is a surfeit of pink, a silly story, cute animals, and solid performances from the leads and supporting stars. But for me – and I stress not the many more enthusiastic audience members who gave a rapid standing ovation – it felt a bit empty. And stupid as the original book and film were, they weren’t that: they had heart and soul.
- Legally Blonde: The Musical continues at Norwich Theatre Royal until 26 September 2026 then touring nationally. Tickets for the Norwich run are sold out, contact the theatre box office for returns.