Legally Blonde

Peterbrook Players. Production: Legally Blonde

Director: Richard Agg

Musical Director: Chris Davis

Choreographer: Suzanne Ballard-Yates

The Core Theatre, Solihull - April 2019

As Peterbrook Players begin their 50th Year what a fantastic production with which to start the celebrations, bringing yet another premier performance to The Core Theatre, Solihull with "Legally Blonde". Where to start? I was lucky enough to see the professional West End production years ago when Sheridan Smith was playing Elle, so I was very much looking forward to seeing Sophia Bailey’s version of this iconic movie role. In this very well cast production, Sophia was absolutely perfect for the part in every way, her feisty characterisation and amazing voice, I think this was her best role to date. Perfectly paired with Mitch Coughlin-Miller playing the unassuming supportive Emmett Forrest. Every single person on the stage shone especially Elle’s supportive friends /members of Delta Nu too many to individually mention. That said, everyone exhibited so much energy, enthusiasm and camaraderie. Special mention must also go to Jen Cole who played my ultimate favourite role of Paulette Bonafonte - her comedic timing was spot on! There were many characterful supporting roles; Ed Mears as the somewhat sleazy Warner Huntington & Laura Peters as his new fiancé Vivienne. Jonathan Busk and Penny Simpkins were shown as very versatile actors when playing Professor Callahan & Brooke Windham respectively. Lastly the audience loved James Gough as he strutted his stuff playing heartthrob/delivery guy Kyle. The two delightful and well-behaved dogs Rudi Bates and Duke Gough ensured the ooo's and ahhh's emitted from the audience. The large cast had been well rehearsed by Richard , Chris and Suzanne resulting in a thoroughly enjoyable evening and a deserved standing ovation on the night I attended. Credit where credit is due, I really loved the fantastic projected scenery that added interest and difference to many of the scenes (very professional). Suzanne’s choreography so modern and refreshing, the colourful period costumes and the fabulous glossy programme. Some of the hi-lights of the evening for me were "Omigod you Guys”, "Take it like a Man" and of course "Bend and Snap". Back stage crew under the guidance of Stage Manager Adam Tullett handled the large set with ease through the many scene changes. Congratulations to everyone on yet another very professional sell out production. Many thanks for once again inviting me, I hope your Barnum Launch Night and 50th Celebration Dinner go well. My apologies for not being able to attend either event. Joyce