Giz Giz Youth Theatre are strutting into their 40th year in style and a whole lotta pink this week at the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen with a special anniversary reunion show. Giz Giz alumni, as well as present company members have come together to produce a high energy and all together fabulous production of Legally Blonde.
Based on the 2001 novel and film of the same name, Legally Blonde remains a firm audience favourite since its original UK premiere in 2010. With two UK tours and two successful stints in London’s West End, the musical still feels as fresh as ever with a preppy, upbeat score and heartfelt message.
Sorority icon Elle Woods appears to have it all but her life is turned upside-down when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her in order to be taken seriously at law school. Deep down, she knows something has to change – and it’s not something a post-break up haircut can fix!
Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. She struggles with peers, professors and not to mention Warner’s new girlfriend, Vivianne. With the help of new friends Paulette, Emmett and her dazzling Greek chorus, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world – as well as proving that blondes definitely have more fun!
Lily Bannerman leads the company of 50 strong as the iconic, charismatic and bubbly blonde, Elle Woods. Bannerman’s vocals are effortless, maintaining excellent control and vocal stamina throughout whilst still confidently making strong and enjoyable character choices. Bannerman captured Elle’s essence of determination beautifully in ‘What You Want’ and in contrast, the characters complete defeat in the titular number, ‘Legally Blonde’. We see complete character growth and journey with Bannerman’s rendition of Elle, clearly exploring the layers to the character and embracing every moment of it along the way.
Corey Adam charms as the somewhat awkward but incredibly wise, Emmett. Adam is a true pleasure to watch on stage, effortlessly complimenting everyone his character interacts with. Adam’s vocals were particularly impressive, tackling the challenging, lengthy number ‘Chip On My Shoulder’ with flair, humour and perfect pitch.
Charlie Pocock Fisher stars as the wacky Paulette, Elle’s beautician and confidant. Pocock Fisher captures Paulette’s feisty nature and ‘Bend and Snap’ is certainly her moment to shine. Pocock Fisher is matched with last year’s leading man, Josh McPherson as Kyle. The pair work well together and provide excellent comic relief in Act 2.
Dylan Shearer as Professor Callahan was a complete stand out in this production. Shearer commands the stage with ease from his first entrance and his rendition of ‘Blood in the Water’ was simply perfection. Shearer demonstrated the intimidating and sleazy nature of this character in perfect balance with his wit and comedic timing. Shearer wins the audience over as Callahan instantly, which makes progressions in the plot hit even harder in Act 2.
Next up, our Delta Nu Nu Nu’s! Erin Mehigan as Margot, Emily Law as Serena, Erin Murphy as Pilar are the perfect trio to support Bannerman. Each delivered an excellent solo performance, however, they are at their strongest as the iconic trio. With commendable character choices, physicality, comedic timing and pitch perfect vocals – the trio are sassy, ditsy and ultimately, so much fun to watch on stage, particularly during ‘Positive’ and ‘Bend and Snap’.
Nathan Batchu delivers another strong performance as Warner, Elle’s ex-boyfriend. A slightly more ‘Serious’ role for Batchu in comparison to his performance in Footloose last year, Batchu succeeds in adding a layer of likability to Warner through his natural comedic abilities. He is paired opposite Hollie Cunningham as Vivenne. Cunningham portrayed Vivenne’s character journey well throughout, capturing the initial rivalry between her and Elle before softening in Act 2.
Ciara Hendry shines as Brooke Wyndham, an incredibly physically and vocally demanding role in the form of our Act 2 opener, ‘Whipped Into Shape’. Hendry takes this number in her stride, demonstrating incredible stamina and vocal ability. Hendry excels in this role and the audience can only wish her character was around for longer!
We cannot review this production of Legally Blonde without mentioning the two absolute stars of the show – Angus as Paulette’s dog, Rufus and Nutmeg as Elle’s dog, Bruiser! These four legged cast members were superb and certainly provided an extra treat for the audience – and they say to never work with children or animals!
Stand out featured ensemble include; Libby Adam as Enid, Emily Bannerman as Chutney, Aiden Combe as Nikos and Logan McKerron as Carlos, Lacey Moir as Kate, Colin McGregor and Jill Shearer as Elle’s parents, Zara Adam – mother of Emmett, Corey Adam and Enid, Libby Adam – as the judge and Emmah Chibesakunda delivering the iconic line, “Courtney! Take your break!” as the store manager.
Other featured ensemble included – Miya Bowes, Hannah Brown, David Johnston Oats, Kenny Carle, Steve Hamer, Matthew Smith, Kai Pope, Gemma Murdoch, Morgan Hosie, Haley Christie and Katelyn Webster.
Further ensemble taking on roles of the Delta Nu Sorority and Harvard Law students included – Sophia Reid, Maisie-Lee McGregor, Zoe Blair, Emily Christie, Estelle Hill, Mollie-Rose Downie, Abbie Morgan, Elise Thomson, Esme Urquhart, Emilia Dunne, Sophie Brown, Sean Findlay, Adam Dunnett, Jessica Houston, Chloé Guy, Katie West, Amber Van Der Starre and Olivia Coveney.
The show is fast paced, enhanced beautifully with music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe (Heathers) and Nell Benjamin (Mean Girls). O’Keefe and Benjamin’s further credits are testament to a fresh, preppy score with witty lyrics and a whole lot of heart. Book by Heather Hach remains close to the script of the beloved film but with room for movement in a stage adaptation that allows those who may be unfamiliar with the plot to follow the story with ease. Musical Direction by Matthew Tosh with assistance from Lindsey Masson is certainly commendable as they guided and supported the talented group of 50 through the wordy score.
It is evident that Lauren Jane Ritchie approached this show with a clear vision, which certainly paid off. Directing a cast of 50 is certainly a task that would fear many, however, with an array of principal roles and splitting ensemble into groups (Delta Nu’s, Harvard Law Students etc.) ensured that the stage never felt crowded and allowed each youngster the opportunity to shine.
Choreography by Hayley Brown was fun, sassy and energetic. Again, the infectious energy from those on stage translated well into the auditorium.
Costume by Jane Ritchie and wigs by Gail Thomson enhanced the production, in keeping with the setting of the early 2000s from both the film and original setting of the musical.
Set by Alan Webster was incredibly effective, ensuring slick scene changes and allowing us to follow the action with ease. Set was further enhanced with lighting (and sound) design by Brian Gunnee and Stuart Jack, with lighting operated by Eilidh Grant.
The company overall delivers yet another incredibly strong ensemble performance and it is clear that everyone – from ages 8 to 18 and beyond – had enormous amounts of fun during their rehearsal period and now, show week. The fun they had is incredibly infectious as an audience member and ultimately, that is the very essence of youth theatre.
Legally Blonde is a heartful and fun musical adaption of the beloved film and 23 years on from its original release, the message still rings true – “staying true to yourself never goes out of style!”
Giz Giz Youth Theatre Production of Legally Blonde runs nightly at 7pm until Saturday 13th July 2024 at the Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen. Tickets available here: https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/legally-blonde/#book
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