Legally Blonde: The Musical
Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Assembly Rooms – George Street
Tickets
Photo Credit: Royal Conservatoire of Scotland/Robert McFadzean
The RCS adapt Legally Blonde: The Musical delivering a slick, well-performed and inventively choreographed production. Alexandra Spencer-Jones directs this piece of musical theatre based on Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin’s adaptation of the 2001 film.
Sorority president Elle Woods (Vanessa Campbell) drops her life of luxury to move to Harvard Law School in the hope of rekindling her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Warner (Joey Mulligan). Elle finds her uncharacteristic style is a success in the field of law, soon attracting the attention of classmates and professors.
The RCS have mounted an impressive production of Legally Blonde highlighting the social resonance of female empowerment and the #MeToo movement. Yet these hard-hitting themes are presented in an accessible entertaining manner thanks to well produced musical numbers and performances with conviction from the young cast.
Lainie Baird’s choreography makes impressive use of the Assembly Rooms Music Room staging. Performers are synchronised in the musical numbers, with every cast member delivery a clear energy and enthusiasm that radiates onto the audience. This brimming enthusiasm is apparent in the well-performed musical numbers with Omigod You Guys, What You Want, Positive, Ireland, and Gay or European all serving as strong highlights. Minor sound issues were apparent in the performance with rustling of microphones sometimes present – however, this was a minor issue unlikely to affect your enjoyment of the production.
Vanessa Campbell is engaging as Elle. She taps into the endearing nature of the character whilst impressing during the musical numbers and during the narrative’s comic and heartfelt dramatic moments. Joey Mulligan and James Dawoud are equally strong bringing a sense of charm to the lead male roles.
With all the charm and appeal of the West End production, Legally Blonde is an impressive piece from the RCS. Well staged and smoothly performed musical numbers and the engaging cast help Legally Blonde stand as a testament to the quality of the RCS.