Oh, My God! Oh My God, you Guys! I’ve seen this show a massive eight times.
But this was the first occasion I had been to a junior version of Legally Blonde. So, knowing the full show so well, how would I cope with a condensed one? I won’t lie, it was difficult as so much is cut out and unlike some other junior versions that I have experienced, this one is butchered by comparison. But that took nothing away from the always wonderful performances of Script Youth Musical Theatre Company for which it must have been a fantastic experience. And do not forget in a show like Legally Blonde, none of those on stage would be able to perform the adult incarnation for many years to come.
The plot: Elle Woods follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School, initially to get him back. However, during the story, she finds she no longer needs what brought her to that place and learns she can be an independent person fulfilling her own destiny. Lots of good songs by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin and a funny script from Heather Hatch make Legally Blonde one of the most entertaining musicals around, and this young company certainly made the most in pulling off a wonderful show.
Peyton Lockley totally captured the spirit of Elle, being centre stage for the bulk of the show and was outstanding during So Much Better and Legally Blonde. Paulette was played by Maddie Howard and strongly delivered one of my favourite songs in Ireland (Always makes me laugh). Both Arlo Conway-Ford (Warner) and Daniel George (Emmett) both excelled in their differing male roles, and we clearly saw the contrast between pompous and doing the right thing. Playing the catty, career driven Vivienne was Gracie Reynolds who it was nice to see nail that type of character after viewing her many times before as a more pleasant on-stage personality. Great acting throughout. As Brooke (complete with acrobatic bow) was Nicole Bradbury who totally owned that stage during Whipped into Shape. Then finally in the principals we had Edward Lawlor (Callahan) and Lewis Ward-Bygrave (Kyle) who were menacing and loveable, respectively.
The rest of the cast, including a brilliant dance troupe, were Mae Gregory Martin (Chutney), Ophelia Rooney (Serena), Robin Lawlor (Dewey), Niamh Scott-Walters (Kate), Tilly Cartwright (Margot), Katie Stinson (Winthrop), Maisie Holdsworth (Whitney), Jasmine Dudley (Enid), Lexi Roberts (Pilar), Taylor Howard (Lowell), Izzy Byrne-Drew and Lois Rollins (Delta Nu/Dancers), Kitty Scrivens (Saleswoman), Lily Reid (Cashier), Zachary Duke (Sundeep), Isabelle Alexander (Phorzhelmer), Niamh Toland (Prison Guard) with Ilsa Rose Thompson, Nancy Wright, Poppy Kerr, Darcie Maxwell, Frankie Jordan and Charlotte Wilkins (Ensemble). As always, these names are hard on the old eyes to list, therefore message me if I have anything wrong.
Legally Blonde was wonderfully produced by Louise Sall and Tim Rice with Amelia Cartledge doing a fabulous job of choreography with such talented dancers. And credit due as well for the vocals, courtesy of coaching from Sarah Jones. Excellent costumes, great sound, lighting (Going Dark) and the usual warm Front of House welcome made this a lovely experience. I did enjoy this show a lot, even though it misses much of the full version, but knowing that so well, I still found it a great tribute. And those unfamiliar will surely have enjoyed it too. Well done all.
Cheers.
Antony N Britt.
*Photos taken from social media.
Antony N Britt - Author 