The annual Aberdeen Student Show has returned to His Majesty’s Theatre with Seagully Blonde, a riotous reimagining of Legally Blonde packed with Doric flair, outrageous humour, and sky-high antics. This year’s production blends beloved elements of the classic musical with a heavy dose of north-east charm, resulting in a comedy that’s proudly local and endlessly entertaining. With toe-tapping tunes, eccentric characters, and a plotline that’s as absurd as it is inspired, Seagully Blonde is everything you’d expect from the Student Show – and then some.
Ella Silver shines in the leading role of Kinkell Woods, delivering a performance packed with charm, charisma, and killer vocals. Her comic timing is razor-sharp, landing punchlines with effortless flair, while her vocal ability adds real sparkle to every musical number. But it’s her sheer lovability that anchors the show – whether she’s belting out a ballad or strutting into court in pink heels, Silver keeps the audience firmly on her side from start to finish.
Finlay Keir takes on the role of Anton Deck with smug confidence, perfectly capturing the patronising tone of Elle’s ex, constantly talking down to her, making him an easy character to dislike. While his arrogance remains unshaken, his ‘Rot in Jail’ number, set inside the Aberdeen Sheriff Court, brings a lively jolt of energy to the stage – just before he finally gets his well-deserved comeuppance, much to the audience’s satisfaction.
Amanda Haggart is a standout as Grunnie Peg – not your average grunnie, but a cool grunnie. With pitch-perfect comic delivery, Haggart had the audience in stitches on more than one occasion. Her exaggerated OAP mannerisms were both ridiculous and utterly fantastic, with “Is that nae fit I said?” becoming more entertaining with each mispronunciation. Haggart’s powerhouse vocals shine in ‘Get Yer Trap!’, and any moment she shared the stage with her beloved Postiemannie, played by Sam Allan, was pure gold – because nothing screams Student Show quite like a pair of hilariously horny pensioners.
Lucie Dow as Sandi Haven and Cara Sutherland as Rose Harty were a comedic force to be reckoned with. As Elle’s loyal BFFs and biggest cheerleaders, their on-stage dynamic was a highlight of the show. Their hilarious back-and-forth, often talking over each other, brought some of the biggest laughs of the night. With their “dumb and dumber” energy, every scene they were in had the audience in for a giggle. These two created the perfect quines fae the broch, always building Elle up and supporting her with unwavering enthusiasm.
Jenna Bothwell had the sass and energy of everyone’s favourite influencer, Airy Fairy Hall. Her portrayal was packed with attitude, and her TikToks (or was it TicTacs?) provided a hilarious break during scene changes, adding an extra layer of comedy to the show.
Emmah Chibesakunda as Boozer, the seagull puppet, brought a unique and entertaining energy to the stage. Acting almost as a narrator, Boozer wasn’t afraid to harass the crowd, capturing the mischievous spirit of a real seagull. Chibesakunda’s timing and presence shone particularly in her scenes with Grunnie Peg and Elle, where her playful antics added a delightful unpredictability to the show.
Erin Urquhart as Erin Barra, Alex Donnelly as Harvey Nicks, and Ellie Blackadder as Jenners brought an undeniable “mean girls” energy to the stage. Their over-the-top stuffy accents and sheer, delightful stupidity made every moment they shared utterly entertaining. A perfect mix of snark and cluelessness, had the audience laughing at every turn.
Conor Mcgarry as Professor Calaholmes was absolutely fantastic. His hilarious pronunciation, paired with that unique accent, had the audience both disgusted and thoroughly entertained, especially during his entrance in “Aberdeen’s Top Lawyer.” His impatience toward his students and his ridiculously upper-class guffaw were the perfect recipe for comedy, keeping the crowd in stitches. However, Mcgarry skillfully balanced the humor with a genuine threatening energy, particularly in his scene with Elle, where his menacing presence gave the moment real weight. It made it all the more satisfying when Elle finally gave him what for.
The ensemble were, as always, an absolute joy to watch throughout Seagully Blonde. Whether supporting the central story or bursting into big musical numbers, their energy was infectious and their commitment unwavering.
From crowd scenes to courtroom chaos, the full company was slick, spirited, and full of character, creating a vibrant backdrop for the story. The HMP Divas – Grace Hepburn, Kenzie Burr, Maya Edgerley, Sophie McCann, Meg Love, and Grace McKinlay – jumpstarted Act 2 with the riotous and rhythm-packed ‘Peterhead Prison Tango’, setting the tone for the wild ride that followed.
But the true show-stealer has to be none other than this year’s Student Show Admin, Sam Allan as the Postmannie. With perfect comic instincts and total commitment to the chaos, Allan certainly delivered. His every appearance was met with roars of laughter – a standout in a production full of them.
This cast brought the world of the show to life with flair, fun, and brilliant choreography – a true testament to the strength of Aberdeen’s student talent.
The ensemble are as followed; Aaron Hayes, Aimee Duguid, Anna Ross, Calum Ross, Ella Webster, Emily Hindle, Emily McGlashan, Emma Wilson, Eve Reynolds, Finlay Sutherland, Gulliver Turner, Jess McWilliam, Katie Elrick, Kherri French, Lea Ruecker, Liam Tait, Lucy Morris, Martina Mesiarikova, Matthew Buchan, Mikey Smith, Niamh Angus, Olly Walton, Rachel Venturini, Robyn Sweeney, Ross Al-Sayed and Sophie Hatrick.
Director Gavin McKay and Assistant Director Hannah Davidson have pulled off something truly remarkable with Seagully Blonde. In just four weeks, they’ve brought together a sprawling cast, sharp script, and seamless staging into a show that feels polished, pacy, and full of heart. Their direction keeps the comedy tight and the storytelling crystal clear, guiding this massive production with confidence and creativity. It’s a testament to their vision and leadership that such a slick and spectacular show came together in such a short time – a real feat that deserves serious applause.
Kenneth Lypka’s work as Musical Director elevates Seagully Blonde with bold, dynamic arrangements and razor-sharp lyrical wit. The vocals across the cast are polished and powerful, bringing energy and emotion to every number. From big ensemble moments to more intimate solos, Lypka ensures each song hits the mark – both musically and comedically. The gorgeous harmonies, particularly in the show’s more heartfelt moments, are enough to make your hairs stand on end.
Choreographer Sarah Smith brings a seamless energy to Seagully Blonde, with stunning formations and well-timed cannons that ensure your eyes catch every individual in the ensemble. The cast moves as one in the big dance numbers, each step in sync yet allowing their unique personalities to shine. Smith puts the cast through their paces, but despite the complexity of the routines, the smiles never drop. Smith’s choreography is beautifully cohesive, highlighting the talent of each performer while keeping the energy flowing throughout the show.
Script Editor Alison Sandison and Assistant Script Editor Dan Greavey have once again delivered a stellar production with Seagully Blonde. Their work shines through in the sharp, witty dialogue and expertly crafted comedic timing, which keeps the audience laughing from start to finish. The pair have balanced the absurdity and charm of the story with clever social commentary, making the script both hilarious and thought-provoking. This year’s Student Show hits a heavier moment that resonates powerfully, landing perfectly without disrupting the comedic flow. Their attention to detail and commitment to crafting an engaging narrative has created a seamless and entertaining experience for everyone involved, ensuring this year’s production is one of the best yet.
Lewis Todd’s lighting design is sharp and effective, using precise moments of isolation and striking visuals to set the tone. His lighting expertly frames both the high-energy and more intimate scenes. Todd’s design adds an extra layer of depth, complementing the performances and elevating the production.
Brian Gunnee’s sound design adds another layer of richness to the production, seamlessly blending atmosphere with comedy. His use of sound effects amplifies moments of humor and tension, while subtle background tracks enhance the overall vibe.
Alan Webster’s set design creates a dynamic backdrop for the show, with clever use of space and props that enhance the comedic energy. The vibrant, detailed setting immerses the audience in the world of Seagully Blonde, offering both visual appeal and practicality for the high-energy performances.
Beyond the laughter, Seagully Blonde continues the Aberdeen Student Show’s proud legacy of giving back. With proceeds supporting 50 local charities, the cast and crew aim to top last year’s record-breaking total of £156,323.96 – and if the audience reaction is anything to go by, they’re well on their way. Now in its 104th year, the Student Show remains a cornerstone of Aberdeen’s cultural calendar. Seagully Blonde is not only a hilarious night out, but a shining example of the talent, heart, and community spirit that keeps this beloved tradition thriving.
Seagully Blonde is running at His Majesty’s Theatre from the 23rd – 26th April 2025.
Like chips on Union Street, tickets are going fast! Get your tickets here – https://www.aberdeenperformingarts.com/whats-on/seagully-blonde/
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