Legally Blonde The Musical at The Little Theatre Leicester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by C Whetton
This is a full of life musical with a genuinely feel good factor to it. The score is written by husband and wife Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, who coincidentally wrote the score for my other favourite musical, The Heather’s. Once again Laurence O’Keefe has achieved excellence and proves why he is one of theatres greatest composers.
For an amateur performance, the choreography was incredible and they did the professional version justice!
Emily Haywood’s version of the lovable, pink, and determined Elle Woods left very little to be desired! She transformed the character into her own whilst still keeping all the most loveable attributes of the well known character everyone came to love.
Martin Green plays the ‘villain’ of the story, the most hated Lawyer around, Professor Callahan. Whilst the character shows why lawyers are so generally disliked, Martin Green was a delight to watch fulfil this role.
My favourite part of the show was Elle’s solo song after one of the biggest plot twists of the show! The vocal range needed for this solo is large and leading lady Emily Haywood more than did this justice! I have seen my fair share of West end musicals and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her there in a few years given the sheer amount of talent this woman has! An absolute credit to LOP company and a true star in the making. Her versatile range of acting skills and musical ability as well as the ability to do very physical choreography shows true testament to how hard she has worked for this role. The costumes were great, and there were quite a few to get right.
The only downside was the sound in the first half, but that was sorted by the second half. The stage sets were a bit basic, however they set the scenes ok and did not take anything away from the show.
In regard to the Little Theatre, it definitely lives up to the name. It’s an ideal space for small performances and shows and a lovely community theatre that much is clear. However, in terms of the seating, having sat at the edge and in the middle seats during different performances, I would say that unless you are on an edge seat there is not a lot of room and it can get very cramped with people next to you and the amount of leg room available. However, I do find that wherever you are sat in the Little Theatre, you get a great view of the stage thanks to the tiered seating.
The Little Theatre is accessible to all at its reasonable prices for the shows it puts on and also for disability access. There is a ramp to get into the building and also a lift to take you up to the stage. There are priority seats for those needing wheelchair space with space for a companion.
There is a small bar area as you go in opposite the reception area where most people will go to get a refreshment before the show. Prices are fairly standard for a bar and would be as expected.
The staff at the Little Theatre are always so lovely and kind. They are always on hand to help with any needs and some of the most approachable people I have met. As someone with social anxiety I have never felt judged for asking even the smallest of questions.
There is easy access to car parking next to the theatre and there is also another one a five minute walk away, so getting yourself there is fairly easy.
If none of this has sold you, there are 2 of the most adorable dogs as part of the cast who got the biggest round of applause of the night!
Overall I would highly recommend going to see this show and supporting local theatre. This is definitely a performance I would gladly see again.
Rating: 5/5
https://www.thelittletheatre.co.uk/whats-on/legally-blonde/
Legally blonde runs from 16th-20th April 2024
Ticket priced at £18.00
The Little Theatre,
Dover Street,
Leicester .
www.thelittletheatre.co.uk
BOX OFFICE 01162551302