The colour pink, adorable dogs and showstopping musical numbers are all taking over Edinburgh this week, in Allegro’s much anticipated production of ‘Legally Blonde’. The musical is based on the 2001 motion picture that starred Reece Witherspoon. The story follows Elle Woods as she moves from her glamourous life in Malibu to become a law student at Harvard, in a bid to woo her ex-boyfriend, Warner, proving that she’s much more a Jackie than a Marilyn. Take a glamourous nostalgic trip to the noughties at the Church Hill Theatre with this gloriously camp production, running till Saturday 5th November.
Laura Green is spectacular as Elle Woods. Laura’s portrayal of the iconic character is flawless, she hits every comedic beat, supplies gorgeous emotion for the more serious notes of the musical, while also supplying stunning vocals. Numbers like ‘So Much Better’ and ‘Legally Blonde Remix’ sound utterly sublime. This is a well rounded and brilliantly energized portrayal of everyone’s favourite blonde.
Joe Purcell is brilliant as Emmett. There is a certain gentle kindness present within Joe’s portrayal which makes Emmett even more likeable (who knew that was possible?) while also scoring high with the comedy this character is provided. Joe’s vocals are lovely, they really suit the character and the numbers of this musical. This is a great portrayal.
Rachael Anderson is hilarious as the fabulous Paulette. Her comic timing is fantastic, humour just simply radiates from her, and when it comes to vocal skill, ‘Ireland’ is a showstopper thanks to Rachael’s energy and superb vocal power. Cameron Kirby’s Kyle is a brilliant pairing for Rachael’s Paulette. He has the voice down to a tea, and perfectly physicalises the confident UPS delivery man.
Greg McCafferty Thomson supplies charm, wit and villainy as Elle’s ex-boyfriend, Warner. Greg’s portrayal of this character is grounded yet he does well to embrace the farcical events surrounding Warner. Greg’s voice and the tone during the musical number ‘Serious’, is perfect for rinsing the comedy from that rollercoaster of a scene.
Jo Heinemeier’s Vivienne has the sass and look of a villain yet Jo gives Vivienne a more rounded outlook than we see in the motion picture and even in some of the professional productions of this musical. The audience do hate her within act one and the initial section of act two but it is clear Vivienne has a realization as to what she has become and who Elle really is. ‘Legally Blonde Remix’ is more powerful than ever with Jo’s great vocals and a very clear journey into this song which unexpectedly sees Vivienne defend Elle in a powerful way.
Russell Coid could be forgiven for Stanley Tucci when he steps on stage as Callahan, with his beard and professional semi-rimless specs. Russell’s stature, presence and disposition is so naturalistic, yet he makes a tremendous bad guy, whose sleazy actions make the audience shudder. ‘Blood in The Water’ is performed effortlessly with such devilish charm. This is a very strong performance from Russell, who continues to be the one to look out for on the Edinburgh Amateur dramatic scene.
Louisa Everett is incredible as Brooke Wyndham, the energy in ‘Whipped Into Shape’ is insane, what a smashing Act Two opener. Louisa’s sass and sheer talent is a tonic to watch.
Amy King is the perfect casting for Enid, she radiates the character’s passion for social justice, history and feminism while showing kindness and friendship to Elle.
Anna Spence as Margot, Monica Fowler as Serena & Rebecca Drever as Pilar are phenomenal as the lead members of the Greek Chorus. Their flawless vocals and spectacular execution of tricky choreography is staggering, also the energy they supply helps push the musical right the way through.
The ensemble of this production really lift this musical and take it from being an amateur production to something that could rival previous professional productions. The ensemble are as follows; Amy Totty, Andrew Hally, Andrew Knox, Anna Spence, Bethan Rookes, Cameron Kirby, David Bartholomew, Denise Treanor, Elaine Carse, Emma Dawson – Duthie, Francesca Scappaticcio, Gillian Reilly, Hannah Fleming, Hannah Lorimer, Imogen Wright, Jonny Farley, Louisa Everett, Lyndsey McGhee, Nicola McDonagh, Parissa Afshar, Paul Inglis, Rachel Allison, Rory McKeon, Ross Young, Ruth Harris, Samantha Doig, Stacey Scott, Stephanie Knowles, Stephanie Winton, Stuart Williamson, Taylor Doig and Zoe Brookes.
Dominic Lewis’ direction of ‘Legally Blonde’ brings us a refreshing take that embraces all the glory of the previous professional productions while wringing every ounce of colour, energy, humour and glamour from Heather Hach’s book. James McCutcheon makes Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s music and lyrics sound spectacular, the band and singers featured within this production are the best standard I’ve heard from any amateur theatre company in a very long while, it is professional standard and above. Felicity Halfpenny’s choreography is staggering, she supplies so much energy and versatility in movement style, that you cannot help but be in awe of the choreographer and her dancers for presenting such visually stunning sequences.
Allegro’s production of ‘Legally Blonde’ is one of the best amateur productions to play in Scotland this year. The cast supply a standard of performance that excels previous professional productions of this musical. With this you leave the theatre beaming ear to ear at this joyous show performed with such energy and talent.
Get your tickets for ‘Legally Blonde’ here:
Theatre Scotland 
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