Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, New Wimbledon Theatre

In this time of endless Brexit questions, the NHS in crisis and the world generally seeming to be going to hell in a handcart, a lighthearted and exuberant show like Legally Blonde is sometimes the perfect antidote. Based on the 2001 film, the award-winning show follows the cutesy and seemingly vacuous American sorority girl Elle as she finds her way into Harvard Law School in pursuit of her ex-boyfriend who claimed she wasn't 'serious' enough. Glittery, camp and very pink, the production follows Elle as she makes a surprising success of her quest through abounding positivity and stellar levels of self-belief.

As Elle, X-Factor finalist Lucie Jones is suitably ditzy and warm, with a powerful and clear voice. She lacks some of the wild zaniness of previous actors who took on the role such as Sheridan Smith, but she has great energy and charm. She struggles a little with the more energetic dance routines, but always keeps a smile on her face.

Former Eastenders actress Rita Simons is a revelation as brassy salon owner Paulette Bonafonté; she has such sharp timing and is the funniest cast member by far. Her singing voice is also incredibly strong and clear; her belting rendition of "Ireland" is fantastic.

The hard-working ensemble show high energy and precision, especially with Anthony Williams' slick choreography. Fitness instructor Brooke Wyndam is played by a seemingly tireless Helen Petrovna and her exhausting skipping rope work-out is particularly impressive, not just for its dexterity, but how she manages to perform it and not stumble for breath at all.

David Barrett is on strong form as Elle's sidekick Emmett Richmond. He has a depth and sincerity to his vocals and he is generally very endearing.

Bill Ward's lecherous Professor Callaghan could ham up the role even more, but really turns on the smarmy charm as the character you love to hate.

There is a lot of tongue in cheek humour in the production, with several genuinely funny moments. However, elements could do with updating; as the sorority sing about being the perfect wife and making an effort not to look your age might intend to be funny, but jars a little. In the current climate, there are some scenes which feel conspicuously uncomfortable; the well-known scene of 'Bend and Snap'; where Elle and her group of friends teach the best way to pick up a man is to drop something and bend over provocatively to pick it up, seems to belong to another era.

However, it is easy to forgive these moments, as this is a show that doesn't take itself too seriously. It's pink and fluffy and makes no apologies for it. As a big musical, the production falls down a little; few of the tunes are very memorable and lack the catchiness and power necessary for a really great soundtrack. Exceptions to this are "Whipped Into Shape" and the outrageous "Gay or European", which brings the house down. Jon Harris' cartoon-like set is also looking a bit worn and could do with an update.

If you are a fan, you will love this production; often gloriously silly, it buzzes with energy and is a frothy and frivolous night out.

Legally Blonde is at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 23 June, then touring

Photo Credit: Robert Workman

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