REVIEW: Legally Blonde

Legally Blonde, by Nelson Youth Theatre Company at the Theatre Royal, 25 September 2023.

Reviewed by John van Gosliga

An enthusiastic cast has bought the classic film Legally Blonde to the stage in a toe tapping, high energy musical.

The story is about Elle, a blonde from Malibu (played by Michaela Carruthers - a seasoned actor) who follows her ex-boyfriend Warner (played by Dylan Welsh) to Harvard Law school.

Elle is not fully understood by her fellow law students, but her never ending ability to see the best in everything wins them over and proves that blondes maybe do have more fun, and Elle is accepted for who she truly is.

I enjoyed the fast pace of the show and especially enjoyed ‘Whipped into Shape’, a fitness dance led by Brook, played by Casey Jenkinson, with some great choreography.

I think there were a few opening night jitters with some actors rushing their lines and the audience would have had trouble understanding what was sung or spoken. There were a few mic issues that was a little distracting in parts, but I am confident these will be sorted.

I enjoyed the interaction with Elle and Warner and they both sung clearly and confidently and Elle really kept the show moving along nicely.

The costumes in some scenes were a little lacklustre but the big dance numbers made up for this. Some of the hair was a little messy and distracting as you couldn’t see some characters facial expressions.

I really enjoyed Elle’s delta Nus who kept the pace of the show going with great singing and dancing, and thought that Kyle the UPS delivery man played by Ollie Petrie was outstanding with his comical acting and stage presence.

Legally Blonde runs every night this week until Saturday 30 September and starts at 6pm. Get your tickets here.