Hessle Musical Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde was full of energy, charm, and standout performances that made for a really entertaining night. With strong leads, a lively ensemble, and a live band backing it all, this was a solid take on a well-loved show which I’ve now seen six times. This was a fantastic night.
Tanya Sewell was every bit the leading lady as Elle Woods. Her voice carried the part with ease, but more than that, she nailed the character’s heart – bubbly and bright at first, but with a clear sense of growth as Elle takes on Harvard and everything that comes with it.
Opposite Tanya, James Galer played Emmett Forrest with quiet confidence, always at Elle’s side when she needed him. His vocals were strong too, and together they made a believable and likeable pair.
The set design was very faithful to the original staging of Legally Blonde, and it worked well with the rest of the production. There were a couple of mishaps during scene transitions, but I’ve been assured by stage manager Kieran Danby that these have been resolved for the next performances.
Emma Burgess had the audience talking at the interval thanks to her hilarious and heartfelt take on Paulette, especially during “Ireland,” which was a real crowd-pleaser.
In the second act, Georgia Wormald as Vivienne brought unexpected power to the title number “Legally Blonde.” It was a proper surprise moment, showing off vocals that definitely suggest she’s got the ability for strong roles ahead.
Aaron Bolton gave a slick performance as Warner, and the rest of the cast kept things tight and entertaining. Sarah Brodie (Brooke), Ian Appleyard (Callahan), Abigail Potter (Enid), and Jonathan Wainman (Kyle) each brought something to their roles and made the most of their stage time. Elinor Kirby (Serena), Gina Hobson (Margot), and Katie Flanagan (Pilar) were great fun as the Delta Nus, serving up Greek chorus energy as they followed Elle through law school and cheered her on.
Choreographer Elise Johnson has done some fantastic work with Hessle Musical Theatre, ensuring that the dance moves looked slick and matched each character’s personality. “Whipped Into Shape” must have been one of the most challenging songs of the night, combining full-on skipping rope choreography with powerful vocals, but Sarah Brodie handled it effortlessly, and somehow she hardly looked out of breath after the number.
The ensemble worked hard throughout, helping tie everything together. Their movement between scenes kept the pace flowing, and they brought life and energy to every number. It was clear how much of the show relied on their support and consistency.
The musical director, Rebecca Barques, did a fantastic job bringing everything together. Having previously seen her work on Into the Woods with Hull Musical Theatre, I knew as soon as I saw her name attached to Legally Blonde that we were in for something special. Her musical direction gave the show great energy and cohesion, and it was clear the cast felt well-supported throughout.
One thing worth highlighting was the use of a live band. It wasn’t without its moments, but live music brings something you just don’t get from a click track. It added to the feel of the show and gave it a bit more edge, even when things didn’t go perfectly.
I’m always excited to see our local companies’ productions, as they really showcase the talent in the area – not just on stage, but behind the scenes too. I’ll be back at Harvard on Thursday, and I recommend you get yourself some tickets as well!
