Originally published by L.S. Media. February 8th 2012.
L.S. Media Rating *****
Cast: Faye Brookes, Iwan Lewis, Les Dennis, Claire Sweeney, Ray Quinn, Charlotte Harwood, Hannah Grover, Sinead Long, Sophie Isaacs, Micha Richardson, Zak Nemorin, Jon Reynolds, Graham Lappin, Nia Jermin.
If you just want a one sentence or even a word to sum up Legally Blonde, then can I just say phenomenal, must see, brilliant, and every other platitude that you will no doubt see on billboards and in papers for this exceptional and heart-warming musical.
In that though you don’t get the reasons why! In that the reasons for this particular production are numerous and compelling! The main motivation for seeing Legally Blonde is that quite simply, it’s superb, even the elder gentlemen in the audience came out whistling, perhaps unconsciously, some of the tunes from the show, with much amusement from their wives and daughters who had dragged them along. I’m not saying that they will go and buy the D.V.D or wait with nervous anticipation for the film to come around again on terrestrial television but I bet they end up at the theatre once more to watch the show.
There are some shows that are honestly worth seeing over and over again. Recently the Empire Theatre has had the guts to do this and judging audience reactions to shows such as Spamalot, The Rocky Horror Show and Annie, then for the second time inside a year, a return to pink court of Elle Woods is much needed and huge welcome into the lives of Liverpool audiences.
Liverpool legend and one of the best men in the business, Les Dennis, strides a different path. Unlike his wonderful and almost cuddly characters he has played over the years whilst performing in his home town, his portrayal of the loathsome and bitter Professor Callahan is a joy to behold. It can be a bit of a shock for some to see this talented and amiable man play someone so unlikeable but this can only show the depth of acting reserves Mr. Dennis can tap into.
The beguiling Elle Woods is portrayed by the equally beguiling Faye Brookes. A one stop charm machine, who from the moment she stepped on stage resplendent in trade mark pink, (that would service her well all during the production), she captivated the entire audience and had many wanting to take her home and carry on the delightful experience.
In no doubt should you miss this show. Legally Blonde is that good; from the actors on stage, including the tremendous return of Ray Quinn and Claire Sweeney to the boards of the theatre, to the outstanding music which was one of the finest arrangements I honestly have ever heard at the Empire, every moment was just a pure joy.
Criminally Brilliant!
Legally Blonde is on at the Empire Theatre till Saturday 11th February.
Ian D. Hall