Review: Legally Blonde at the Leicester Curve

Legally Blonde 
Leicester Curve
Reviewed on Thursday 14th April 2016
★★★★

It is a total joy to see Legally Blonde back in the UK with a major new production. Interestingly Nikolai Foster, artistic director of the Curve, has shaken things up and offers a fresh take on the show. Certain elements of this new vision work nicely, but sometimes it feels like things have just been changed for the sake of it.

Curve's Legally Blonde transferring to South Korea

**Road trip, Road trip!"" They're on the move to the scene of the crime!

Curve has announced that its new production of Legally Blonde will embark upon a two week run at Deagu Opera House in South Korea. 

Working with Richard Darbourne Ltd as part of the Deagu International Music Festival, the musical will perform internationally from 25th June to Saturday 2nd July.

Directed by Curve's artistic director Nikolai Foster, Legally Blonde is currently in previews at Curve ahead of press night on 14th April with the show running until 14th May 2016. 

Big Interview: Danny Mac

Danny Mac is currently starring as Warner in Nikolai Foster's production of Legally Blonde at the Curve Leicester.

The production begins performances tomorrow (11th April) and runs until 14th May 2016 with the cast also including Lucie Jones, Jon Robyns and Tupele Dorgu.

Danny is best known for starring as Mark 'Dodger' Savage for four years in Channel 4's Hollyoaks. After graduating from ArtsEd, Danny understudied Boq in the West End production of Wicked for two years. As a child he played Gavroche in the West End and UK touring productions of Les Miserables.

I recently spoke to Danny about why this new production of Legally Blonde is going to feel so fresh, what parts of the show he’s looking forward to performing and how it feels to be returning to theatre. We also discussed his time in Hollyoaks, memories of Wicked and why playing Gavroche led him to pursuing a career in performing…

Warner is such a fun role, was it on your radar? Was it a part you had thought you might be suited for?

I think so… I hadn’t really thought about doing a musical straight off the back of Hollyoaks. I knew Legally Blonde The Musical and loved it – Warner was definitely a part I would have loved to play, but it wasn’t at the forefront of my mind until this production came up at Curve.

Big Interview: Robert Colvin

Next month Robert Colvin is taking part in the Showtime Challenge 48-Hour Musicals, starring as Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie with just two days to rehearse! 

The one-night-only performance is in aid of mental health charity MIND. Starring alongside Robert are Anna-Jane Casey, Amy Perry and Suanne Braun, as well as host Warwick Davis. Over 100 performers are taking part in total.

Most recently Robert starred as Warner in the London fringe premiere of Legally Blonde at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, having previously played Simeon in the UK tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

I recently spoke to Robert about how he’s feeling about performing a show with 48 hours to rehearse, the perks of being baked a technicolour cake on a three show day in Joseph and his late start in musical theatre, plus much more…

Showtime Challenge 48-Hour Musicals sounds crazy… talk me through the concept!

So I got given the script six weeks in advance and I can learn my part and listen to recordings but I’m not allowed to rehearse with anyone until 48 hours before the show on Sunday 20th March. On Friday 18th March myself and loads of other absolutely petrified actors will turn up and start rehearsing. It’s probably easier for me because I just have to learn the blocking, but everyone in the ensemble has to learn all of those dances… it’s insane [laughs]!

Full casting announced for Legally Blonde at the Curve Leicester

Full casting has been announced for Nikolai Foster's production of Legally Blonde at the Curve Leicester.

Tupele Dorgu (Coronation Street/Chicago) will play Paulette, joining the previously announced Lucie Jones as Elle Woods, Ian Kelsey as Callahan, Jon Robyns as Emmett and Danny Mac as Warner.

The show will also star Natalie Hope as Brooke and Phoebe Street as Vivienne. Completing the cast are: Francesca Hoffman (Margot), Jack Harrison-Cooper (Harrison), Cristina Hoey (Serena), Darren Bennett (Dad), Jamal Andreas (Sundeep Padamann), Natalie Woods (Enid), Rachel Stanley (Mum), Rebecca-Jayne Davies (Kate), Martin McCarthy (Carlos), Genesis Lynea (Pilar) and Lawrence Robb (Aaron).

Omigod you guys! Lucie Jones to star as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Leicester Curve

**snaps** It has been revealed that Lucie Jones will star as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the Leicester Curve.

Artistic director Nikolai Foster will direct the production which runs between 11th April and 14th May 2016.

The cast also includes Ian Kelsey (Chicago) as Callahan, Danny Mac (Hollyoaks/Wicked) as Warner and Jon Robyns (Chitty Chitty Bang Bang/Memphis) as Emmett.

Choreography is by Nick Winston with design by Matthew Wright, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Tom Marshal and orchestrations by Sarah Travis. 

Big Interview: Jodie Jacobs

Jodie Jacobs is currently reprising her performance as Paulette Bonafonte in Legally Blonde for its London fringe premiere at Upstairs at the Gatehouse. 

Jodie previously played the role at the Kilworth House Theatre. For her performance as Paulette, Jodie has won rave reviews, received an OFFIE nomination and was featured in West End Frame’s Top Ten Performances of 2015. 

Jodie’s West End credits include: Regina in Rock of Ages (Shaftesbury/Garrick), Serena in Fame (Aldwych), understudy Eva Peron in Evita (Adelphi), understudy Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors (Duke of York’s/Ambassadors), understudy Scaramouche & Meat in We Will Rock You (Dominion) and Joanne in Rent In Concert (Garrick).

Her further credits also include: Miss Gardner in Carrie (Southwark Playhouse), Grizabella in Cats (Arena Tour), Rusty in Footloose (UK tour), Jest End (Waterloo East/Jermyn Street), Holly in The Wedding Singer (UK tour), Tink in Lost Boy (Charing Cross), Nurse Fiona in Happy Ending (Arcola), Sister Mary Robert in Sister Act (Aberystwyth), Betty/Carmen in Me & Juliet (Finborough), Marcy Fitzwilliams in I Love You Because… (Landor), Emily in State Fair (Trafalgar Studios 2), Another Kind Of Magic (Scandinavia Tour) and Broadway and Beyond (Dubai). 

Yesterday I visited Jodie backstage at Upstairs at the Gatehouse to discuss why Legally Blonde was her dream show, the similarities between herself and Paulette and her showstopping rendition of ‘Ireland’. We also discussed her autobiography, the highlights of her career, working with her idol Kim Criswell plus much, much more…

Before doing Legally Blonde the first time round were you a fan of the show? 

Oh yes, I was in love with this show… absolutely in love with it! The lyrics are just brilliant. I remember driving on tour with Simon Lipkin – Simon’s the campest straight man I’ve ever met – and we would listen to musical after musical, and I could have sung you the entire show word for word. I was lucky enough to go to America and see it three times in one week on Broadway. I’ve never got bored of it! And I’ll never got bored of watching the MTV version [laughs]. 

The MTV recording is legendary – the audience are insane!

I know, it was like a rock concert! I love how brilliantly cast it was over there. In fact we still watch it, during the first week we all put it on in the dressing room! There’s something wrong with us! It’s because it’s brilliant. It’s a brilliant show with brilliant tunes and brilliant lyrics – I love everything about it.

Review: Legally Blonde at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Legally Blonde
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Reviewed on Friday 18th December 2015
★★★

Fact: Legally Blonde is the ultimate feel good show. 

The Broadway musical was a huge hit when it transferred to the West End for a triumphant run between 2009 and 2012. After some time away from the UK, Legally Blonde is suddenly popping up all over the place; I saw a fantastic production at Kilworth House last summer and now Upstairs at the Gatehouse are hosting the show's London Fringe premiere.

Casting announced for Legally Blonde at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Casting has been announced for Legally Blonde at Upstairs at the Gatehouse. 

Recent graduate Abbie Chambers will lead the cast as Elle. 

Reprising her performance as Paulette is Jodie Jacobs (Rock Of Ages/Jest End) who recently starred in Kilworth House’s production of the musical.

The cast also includes: Robert Colvin (Joseph UK tour) as Warner, Ross Barnes (Parade at the London Theatre Workshop) as Emmett and Hugh Osborne (The Sound of Music international tour) as Professor Callahan.

Creative team announced for Legally Blonde at Upstairs at the Gatehouse

Legally Blonde the musical is returning to London this Christmas!

The show will open at Upstairs at the Gatehouse on 18th December 2015 (previews from 16th December) and run until 31st January 2016.

Directed by John Plews, musical direction is by Matt Abrams with choreography by Anthony Whiteman, casting by Harry Blumenau, lighting by Sam Waddington and sound by Jon Raper. Casting to be announced.

Snaps! Legally Blonde to be staged at the Leicester Curve

Carley Stenson and Lee Mead in the
West End production of Legally Blonde

It has been announced that Legally Blonde The Musical will be revived at the Leicester Curve next year. 

Artistic director Nikolai Foster will direct the production which runs between 11th April and 14th May.

Choreography will be by Nick Winston with design by Matthew Wright, lighting by Ben Cracknell, sound by Tom Marshal and orchestrations by Sarah Travis. Casting to be announced.

Review: Legally Blonde The Musical at the Kilworth House Theatre

Legally Blonde The Musical
Kilworth House Theatre (Leicestershire)
Reviewed on Saturday 29th August 2015
★★★★

Ever since Legally Blonde took its final West End bow in 2012 I have been yearning to see the show again. The ultimate feel good musical, there is so much more to Legally Blonde than some might think. It is a cleverly constructed piece of theatre with fascinating influences; the score keeps you on your toes whilst the storyline oozes with heart.

UPDATED: Full casting announced for Legally Blonde at the Kilworth House Theatre

Casting has been announced for Legally Blonde at the Kilworth House Theatre.

Laurence O’Keefe, Neil Benjamin and Heather Hach's musical runs between 20th August and 20th September 2015. Mitch Sebastian directs. 

Leading the cast are: Jennifer Harding (The Clockmaker's Daughter, pictured right) as Elle, Luke Newton (The Book of Mormon) as Warner, Greg Miller Burns (Carrie The Musical) as Emmett, Jodie Jacobs (Rock Of Ages) as Paulette, Graham Vick (Jersey Boys) as Callaghan and Jenny Gayner (Chicago) as Brooke Wyndham.

Broadway Review: Kinky Boots - "The best feel-good show since Legally Blonde"

Andy Kelso & Billy Porter / Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots

The Al Hirschfeld Theatre

Reviewed on Wednesday 9th April 2014 (matinee)

Billy Porter & Daniel Stewart Sherman
Photo Credit: Matthew Murphy

Kinky Boots is an empowering, inspiring, uplifting and fun musical which hit me with a breath of fresh air. Based on the 2005 movie (which I have never seen), the show follows Charlie Price as he inherits his father's shoe factory which is on the verge of bankruptcy. 

Determined to live up to his father's legacy and to provide job security for his employees, Charlie realises he has to come up with something new. After finding inspiration in the form of Lola (whose birth name is Simon), Charlie discovers his niche market - creating sturdy stilettos for drag queens. 

It's fascinating to watch the unlikely friendship between Charlie and Lola unfold; the pair have a strange connection which is quite endearing. Of course love troubles are also thrown into the mix, with Charlie's relationship in crisis and factory worker Lauren discovering she has a huge crush on her boss…

I haven't had so much fun in a theatre for a very long time. Cyndi Lauper's score is an absolute revelation - it's hit after hit after hit. It's a new, edgy sound for musical theatre but works a treat. The show features some of the most catchy musical theatre songs ever written as well as a handful of big ballads with touching lyrical content. I have been listening to the cast album on repeat.

Interview: Amy Lennox, Soho Cinders & 9 to 5 The Musical UK Tour

Amy Lennox is currently playing Velcro in Soho Cinders at the Soho Theatre and later this year will star as Doralee in the UK tour of 9 to 5 The Musical. Amy's theatre credits include Decade for Headlong, Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden for Birmingham Rep and Margot/1st cover Elle in the original West End production of Legally Blonde The Musical at the Savoy Theatre. Her film credits include Jen in Never Let Me Go for DNA Films and Amy’s television credits include Wrong Turn Five for WT5 Productions. Amy talks to West End Frame about Soho Cinders, how she's looking forward to life on the road with 9 to 5 The Musical and what it was like to recently join the Legally Blonde UK tour to play Elle Woods again...

Everyone has been raving about Soho Cinders, why do you think people love the show so much? 

It's a fun, silly show but is surprisingly heart warming to. I think the audiences are surprised it has that kind of content. The music is just wonderful - Stiles and Drewe really know how to write catchy tunes. We've heard people singing the songs as they leave! 

Gareth Gates & Jennifer Ellison join the touring cast of the magnificent show that is Legally Blonde The Musical!

Gareth Gates and Jennifer Ellison joined the cast of the UK touring production of Legally Blonde The Musical tonight as ‘Warner’ and ‘Paulette’. Faye Brooks continues to star in the role of ‘Elle’ and Iwan Lewis plays ‘Emmett’.

Gareth has starred in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Les Miserables (25th Anniversary tour and West End) and Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse). He will also be appearing in Momentous Musicals at the New Wimbledon Theatre on Thursday 19th July 2012.

Will Young to make West End Debut in Cabaret

After recent speculation it has now officially been confirmed that Will Young will be making his West End debut  in a brand new revival of Cabaret! The production will start off with a short tour consisting of these dates:

• 3rd-8th September 2012 - Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
• 10th-15th September 2012 -  Theatre Royal, Nottingham 
• 17th-22nd September 2012 - Theatre Royal, Norwich
• 24th-29th September 2012 -  The Lowry, Salford 

Then the production will settle in the West End at The Savoy Theatre (my favourite theatre in the world) from 3rd October 2012 where The Sunshine Boys is currently on until 28th July 2012. Will Young will be playing the Emcee. This is what Will had to say:

"I am very excited about the challenge of choosing Cabaret as my first musical theatre role. The role of the Emcee is a part I have wanted to play since before I started training at Arts Education in Chiswick when I first moved to London. With Rufus and Javier I couldn’t wish for better people to be surrounded by."

The rest of the casting is yet to be announced - watch this space!

Not going to lie, I am delighted to have an excuse to go back and visit my favourite theatre, The Savoy, after seeing Carousel, Legally Blonde and The Sunshine Boys there over the last few years... exciting times for West End Theatre!

Review: The Sunshine Boys at The Savoy Theatre

The Sunshine Boys

The Savoy Theatre

Performance: 1st May 2012

Walking down the Strand to my favourite theatre in the West End, The Savoy, I began to feel sad I wasn't on my way to see Legally Blonde. As I took my seat I had to continuously remind myself that Sheridan Smith was not about to rise up onto the stage and belt out 'Oh my god you guys'. However as soon as The Sunshine Boys began I completely forgot about Sheridan Smith and fell in love with the incredible Danny  DeVito and the work of Neil Simon.

The play is incredibly funny and has a great mix of verbal and physical comedy. Richard Griffiths looks like a great big monster when stood next to Danny DeVito whose performance is so natural that you forget he's acting. He has the gift of comic timing and builds up a special relationship with the audience. 

Richard Griffiths however is disappointing as Al Lewis. There was so much talk about his character before his entrance so I was getting excited however when he entered during the second act I was shocked. He seemed like he was struggling to get through the show and his accent was shocking! He started with an american accent but it kept on slipping and sounding English! It wasn't even like he took time to get into it as his accent was consistently terrible throughout the performance which you just don't expect. Although he did make me laugh after the bows when he signalled for the audience to go home and go to bed. I'm not saying he is a bad actor as he has clearly had a respectable career, I just felt like this part is not suited to him.

I loved the way that the characters were each introduced slowly. This kept the show fresh and made the storyline easy to follow. The set was impressive however between the 3rd and 4th act I thought it was unacceptable to just leave the audience in darkness listening the the same sketch they had just seen moments before. They should have at least put a screen down so the audience had something to watch or used some of the underused actors in a little sketch in front of the curtain. 

Adam Levy gave a strong performance and had great chemistry with Danny DeVito. I could imagine Alex Gaumond playing that role. Rebecca Blackstone, Nicholas Blakeley, Peter Cadden, William Maxwell and especially Johnnie Fiori gave great performances although were incredibly underused! I wanted to see more of them!!

So if it wasn't for Richard Griffiths' performance, the audience being left in darkness for an extended duration of time and the 4th act being too slow paced I would have definitely given this play a 5 star rating. However I should point out that I did see the show while it was in previews so all of these things could be fixed over time. I would go and see it if you want a good, light hearted night out at the theatre. It has something in it for all ages (although I would not recommend it for children) and will make anyone laugh. You don't have long to see it as the play finishes at the Savoy on 28th July 2012. Head to http://www.sunshineboystheplay.com/ to find out more and to book tickets. TKTS also seems to normally have tickets at a reasonable price. 

Poll Result: Rachel Tucker wins 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' for her performance of 'Defying Gravity'

Hundreds of you have voted and decided that Rachel Tucker is the winner of our 'Best Performance Of A Song In A Musical' poll. She won for her performance of the incredible song 'Defying Gravity' in long running West End Show Wicked!!

Below is a countdown of the result:

8th Place 

Joanna Monro 

Take A Chance On Me

Mamma Mia

Votes - 1%

7th Place 

Sharon D Clarke

Believer

Ghost The Musical 

Votes - 2%

6th Place 

Carley Stenson

So Much Better

Legally Blonde The Musical 

Votes - 4%

5th Place 

Dean Chisnall

Who I'd Be

Shrek The Musical 

Votes - 9%

4th Place 

Caroline Sheen

I Dreamed A Dream

Les Misérables

 Votes -10%

click here to find out who the top 3 are...

Review: Legally Blonde The Musical - A Must See Before 7 April 2012

Legally Blonde The Musical
The Savoy Theatre

In August 2010 I was practically bullied into going by a friend. Arriving at the incredible Savoy Theatre I was planning to sit there and make it clear I was not enjoying it, however from beginning to end I sat there with the biggest smile on my face and left walking down the stand singing 'oh my god, oh my god you guys' (I would have said I was holding it in but that would be a lie). It has to be said though that for me, the reason it was so amazing was because of the incredibly talented Sheridan Smith. Not because of her strong voice or comic timing but because of that relationship she created with the audience and the way she completely understood the character she was playing. The best thing about her portrayal of Elle was that because she is nothing like her in real life, she played her in a way, where it was like she was almost taking the mickey out of her. This is why I think British people loved her because they related with her and were almost laughing at the Americans. Also other actors in the show did this and it was as if they were taking the mickey out of there own characters.

Susan McFadden as Elle

Once Susan McFadden took over the role, that extra omph Sheridan brought left the show. Susan was the best vocalist to ever play Elle in my opinion and her acting was also good, I loved her sarcasm, however she didn't lead the show and didn't create that relationship with the audience. However I do think Carley has started to bring this back to the show. Also I think Tamara Wall and  Denise Van Outen were also good at creating that relationship with the audience.

I also love the three friends who follow Elle round in the show. I once saw, Pilar, Lucy & Emma together and they were soooo funny together, adding lots of bits in. Legally Blonde also has tones of great songs across all different genres! I thought it would just be poppy music and when 'oh-my-god' started I feared the whole show would be like that however I love how funny 'Serious' is. 'What You Want' is also great and I love how so much time passes during that song. It also includes a bit of rap. The 'Gay Or European' is so so funny and is just like Old British Theatre.

Something else that shows that Legally Blonde is so great is that all three Elle's have gone on to do great things. Since leaving Legally Blonde Sheridan smith has filmed 6 films and is Currently filming a new ITV drama in which she plays the title role 'Mrs Biggs'. Susan McFadden is currently touring America having joined 'Celtic Woman'. And as I previously wrote about on the blog Carley Stenson is joining the cast of Shrek and is to perform in her first cabaret. Also I'm pleased for Swing Ruthie Stephenson who is to be the Dance Captain on the new Starlight Express UK Tour!

If you haven't seen Legally Blonde you must see it before it closes in a few weeks! The whole cast always put all their effort into every performance and I grantee you will leave feeling uplifted!

Ben Freeman & Carley Stenson will star as 
Warner & Elle until the end of the current west end run