Legally Blonde
Curve Leicester, 12th February 2026
For those not in the know, it might appear a curious incident that so many people in the vicinity of Curve, Leicester this week have been seen sporting a range of hot pink garments. This is no coincidence however, but a testament to the fan appeal of Legally Blonde and an homage to its heroine Elle Woods and her signature colour. Based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, Elle (played here by Amber Davies) is the blonde and beautiful popular girl in college with a wardrobe to die for. When an anticipated proposal from boyfriend Warner (Jamie Chatterton) turns into a break-up, Elle sets herself on a path to join him at Harvard Law School in order to win back his heart. On arrival, all does not go smoothly, however. Not only does her tutor Callahan (Adam Cooper) disapprove of her unconventional attire and doubt her worth as a future lawyer, but she also finds Warner has a new girlfriend Vivienne (Annabelle Terry) who is set on undermining Elle’s future plans.
Downhearted, Elle seeks solace in a local salon where she encounters proprietor Paulette (Karen Mavundukure) who is thirsty for love but ready to restore Elle’s confidence. When Elle earns a place on Callahan’s legal team alongside Warner, Vivienne, and Callaghan’s sidekick Emmett (George Crawford), she seizes the chance to prove she is far more than the dumb blonde many assume her to be.
From the moment she walks on stage during the rousing opening number Omigod You Guys, Davies shows the audience she means business. She captures Elle’s vulnerability and strength, and her vocal and dance abilities shine throughout. Overall, this is a vocally very strong production with other outstanding efforts from Mavundukure’s warm-hearted Paulette, Terry’s Vivienne and the effervescent ‘Greek chorus’ of Elle’s best friends Margot (Hannah Lowther), Pilar (Remi Ferdinand) and Serena (Rosanna Harris).
Choreographer Leah Hill puts the cast through their paces with some breathtaking routines. A standout number is the exercise video inspired Whipped Into Shape, led by Jocasta Almgill as fitness guru (and murder trial defendant) Brooke. The stamina required by Almgill and her fellow performers to jump rope and belt out the lyrics simultaneously is seriously impressive. In a striking red power suit, Almgill also stands out during the courtroom scenes as an imposing presence.
Legally Blonde is a showcase for its formidable female cast and the men can pale into the background at times. Nonetheless Adam Cooper delights as the sleazy Callahan, whilst Chatteron as Warner and Crawford as the lovable Emmett have their moments to shine.
No review would be complete without a mention of the four-legged stars who complement the cast. Paulette’s bulldog Rufus (played by Milo) and Elle’s chihuahua Bruiser (played by Sprout) steal every scene and present the odd bit of unscripted action to delight the audience.
This new production of Legally Blonde directed by Nikolai Foster is bright, bold and bursting with energy. In transferring to the stage however, some of the heart of the original film seems to have been lost, and, as the songs come thick and fast, the quick paced first half can all feel a bit too much. Thankfully after the interval the characters are allowed more space to establish themselves so that when Elle finally triumphs in love and law, the audience rise to their feet with rapturous applause.
The immense effort that has gone into this sparkling and spectacular production is clearly evident and Legally Blonde is undeniably set to be another well-deserved hit for Curve, Leicester.
Legally Blonde runs until 21st Feb at Curve then tours nationwide.
Photography: Marc Brenner
Set design: Colin Richmond
Costume: Tom Rogers
Lighting: Ben Cracknell
Sound: Adam Fisher
Musical Director: Cerys McKenna
