Amber Davies earned a standing ovation as Elle Woods in the new production of Legally Blonde The Musical, now running at Manchester Opera House until 14 November. The contemporary classic, adapted from the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, brings star power, brilliant set design and hot pink fashion to the stage.
A Fresh Take on a Modern Classic
Twenty-five years after Witherspoon first played Elle Woods, the story of the popular sorority girl who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard Law School remains relevant. Elle, judged for her looks and dismissed as not "serious" enough, proves there is more to her than hot pink two-pieces. The musical, which debuted on Broadway in 2007 and the West End in 2010, has been reimagined with details that bring it up to date.
Nikolai Foster's production stars Davies, known for Strictly Come Dancing, Pretty Woman and The Great Gatsby, as the bubbly blonde lawyer. Heather Hach's adaptation, with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin, is based on Amanda Brown's novel.
Star-Studded Cast and Electric Choreography
Davies radiates charm, infectious positivity and effortless humour as she transforms into a high-flying lawyer. Her spot-on vocals, comedic timing and command of the stage wowed the crowd. Keanna Bloomfield plays Paulette, whose side-plot love story with her UPS driver captivates, while George Crawford's Emmett brings depth and genuine chemistry.
Jocasta Almgill shines as Brooke, the fitness entrepreneur accused of murder. "Whipped Into Shape" features a sublime double dutch skip rope routine, while "Omigod You Guys" and "Bend and Snap" had the audience erupting into laughter.
Set Design and Canine Co-Stars
Colin Richmond's sets feel fresh and modern, transporting audiences into Elle's dual worlds, while Ben Cracknell's lighting adds glamour and showbiz energy. Elle's Chihuahua Bruiser Woods (Sprout) and Paulette's bulldog Rufus (Rocco) also get their time in the spotlight, even taking a curtain call.
Legally Blonde The Musical runs at Manchester Opera House until 14 November, then moves to Stoke, Woking, Sunderland and Brighton before heading to the West End next March.
