REVIEW: LEGALLY BLONDE – THE MUSICAL

BOURNEMOUTH PAVILION THEATRE

This is a light and frothy feel-good musical, telling the story of American college graduate Elle Woods who heads for Harvard Law School after being rejected by her boyfriend for someone more “serious”.

Superbly directed and choreographed by Martyn Knight, this production is pacy and precise, the choreography tight, crisp and hugely enjoyable.

Costumes are convincing, the sets are stylishly surrealistic, and the American accents generally spot-on.

Based on the original novel by Amanda Brown and the MGM movie starring Reese Witherspoon, this musical has a mix of numbers, from the caustically scathing analysis of the legal profession Blood In The Water to the now uncomfortably controversial Gay Or European?.

Additionally, the crude sexualisation of the parcel delivery man – cue raucous screaming from many female audience members – would surely be unacceptable if the character was female, igniting the ire of feminists.

Playing the Harvard Professor Callahan, Phillip Fry nails both the greasy gravitas of the character and the demanding vocals.

As legally blonde heroine Elle Woods, Sarah Bayliss sparkles and charms her way through some difficult vocal lines.

Ensemble singing is very strong, the live orchestra supportive, but opening-night iffy sound balance and some indistinctive diction will surely improve during the week’s run.

Celebrating its 65th production since 1954, BBLOC (Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company) once again delivers a show that’s entertaining, impressive and very professional.

Runs until Saturday, matinees Thursday and Saturday.

Brendan McCusker