So Much Better (well not quite)

I first saw Legally Blonde The Musical two years ago when it starred Sheridan Smith & Duncan James. I went along with very low expectations, as I'm not a fan of films being turned into musicals, but I was completely wrong. It was really fantastic. I was also expecting very little from Sheridan Smith as all I only knew her  for being in Two Pints, and I don't think even her biggest fan could applaud her acting skills for that. But I was wrong, she was fantastic, and the whole show blew me away. It was obviously very tacky and girly but also brilliantly written.  I did however think the songs were the weakest link as I didn't really remember them once they were over. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, but it wasn't anything I would go to see again. However, I was recently given tickets again and I couldn't think of any reason to turn them down, so once again I donned my girliest dress and highest heels (it felt necessary) and tottered down to The Savoy.

Carley Stenson is now playing Elle, and one again I was not expecting great things. Though I this is explained with many teen years of being bombarded with this. But she was really good, and her voice  was beautiful. I also thought the songs were quite good this time around.  Maybe they need a second hearing to be fully appreciated, or maybe I was being a bit moody last time. Even so, if I were to directly compare both Elle's, I think that Sheridan was just a little bit better. She played the part with such joy, you couldn't help but completely root for her, even in the beginning when she was a shallow air-head. 

Phwoar!

The rest of the cast was also very strong, though a few seemed to think the best way to achieve an American accent was just to talk very loudly & nasally (Warner & Paulette). The actress who played Vivienne had a stunning and powerful voice & I can't help but be in awe at the fitness needed to play Brooke. Emmet was very good, only he wasn't dreamy enough for my liking (probably cause I was hoping Lee Mead was still playing him!) and it was always going to be quite exciting to see Professor Callahan being played by The Doctor.

So what do I think of it over all? Yes it is very girly, but it has good songs, talented singers & dancers, a cleverly written script and wonderful staging & effects.I think it would be great for a girly night out, especially a matinee so you can still go out after. Infact it is becoming really popular with hen parties who turn up in fancy dress! Now to all you theatre snobs out there (which once included me) who refuse to see anything but straight plays & opera, just give it a go, I guarantee you'll leave with a huge smile on your face.


Have you gone to see it? What did you think?


Kat x