LEGALLY BLONDE The Musical – Review
Mayflower Theatre – Southampton until 28th
February,2026 then continuing tour
Legally Blonde The Musical is back and fortunately more like its old self after a disastrous 2022 production at London’s Regents Park Theatre. Fresh from its opening at Leicester’s Curve theatre this totally new production arrives this week at Mayflower Theatre in Southampton ahead of a British tour which will run into 2027. It doesn’t seem possible that we last saw this musical in Southampton back in November 2017 – but no matter, it has a following that will stick with it, and all its pinkness, for many more years to come.
For those that have not read the book, seen the 2001 film or the 2010 British production of the Broadway musical which debuted in Southampton in 2012, Legally Blonde follows ‘It Girl’ fashionista Elle Woods on her glittering journey to become a legal ace at Harvard Law School – all in the name of love. On her journey Elle challenges every expectation placed upon her, and discovers that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
Elle (Amber Davies), blonde and beautiful with a wardrobe to die for is the popular college girl whose proposal from boyfriend Warner (Jamie Chatterton) turns into a break-up as he heads for Harvard Law School. Elle is determined to join him and win back his heart, only to find Warner has a new girlfriend Vivienne (Annabelle Terry) who is set on undermining Elle’s future plans. Not only that but her tutor Callahan (Adam Cooper) disapproves of her attire and doubts her worth as a future lawyer. Eventually when Elle earns a place on Callahan’s legal team alongside Warner, Vivienne, and Callaghan’s sidekick Emmett (George Crawford), she proves to be far more than the dumb blonde many assume her to be.
From the moment Amber Davies walks on stage during the opening number “Omigod You Guys”, we know she means business. She captures Elle’s vulnerability and strength, and her vocal and dance abilities are exceptional. Overall, this is a vocally very strong production with particular mention of Karen Mavundukure’s warm-hearted Paulette, Annabelle Terry’s Vivienne and the chorus of Elle’s best friends Hannah Lowther as Margot, Remi Ferdinand as Pilar and Rosanna Harris as Serena. Whilst the girls dominate the singing the guys are the actors holding the story together; in particular Adam Cooper is superb as the sleazy Callahan, whilst Jamie Chatteron as Warner is understandably the reason Elle is at Harvard and George Crawford as Emmett bringing reason to the story.
One concern about this production is the interaction between the characters, there seems to be something missing and it’s not the first time this has happened. I’m wondering whether the Curve Leicester are rolling out too many touring productions, too quickly and it is becoming a bit like a conveyor belt of shows directed by Nikolai Foster, when each needs its own careful shaping. But it didn’t seem to matter to the audience, all pinked up and ready for fun.
Colin Richard’s set design is excellent, and Ben Cracknell’s lighting is up to his usual standard, while Tom Rogers’ costumes were a surprise (as none of them seem to match). Matt Spencer-Smith has done an outstanding job with the orchestrations as for once they are as good as the originals. Leah Hill, the choreographer has set the cast a very high bar with some breathtaking routines, one in particular is Whipped Into Shape, led by fitness guru Brooke, played by Jocasta Almgill.
All in all, this production of Legally Blonde The Musical is a joyous, high-energy evening of immersive fun that proves that confidence, kindness, and a score that matches can overcome everything – and good to see that everyone leaving the theatre were, truly, being themselves. Unsurprisingly, the show is almost completely sold out for its run at Mayflower Theatre. So hurry if you’re hoping to get a last-minute seat. The production runs until Saturday 28th February.
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