There are certain musicals that are impossible not to enjoy, and Legally Blonde is one of them. It’s bright, funny, packed with energy and leaves the audience smiling from the opening number to the final curtain. This latest touring production at Belfast’s Grand Opera House delivers plenty of feel-good moments, colourful choreography and a cast that clearly throws everything into every performance.
For anyone unfamiliar with the story, Elle Woods appears to have the perfect life until her boyfriend Warner unexpectedly ends their relationship in favour of someone he believes is “more serious”. Refusing to accept defeat, Elle earns a place at Harvard Law School to prove she’s capable of much more than anyone gives her credit for. What follows is a story about resilience, self-belief and challenging people’s assumptions.
Amber Davies brings plenty of charisma to the role of Elle Woods. She captures the character’s warmth and determination well, while George Crawford is outstanding as Emmett. His performance has genuine heart, and every time he stepped on stage he brought a calm sincerity that grounded the production. The chemistry between the two develops naturally, making their scenes together some of the strongest in the show.
The ensemble deserves enormous credit too. The choreography is slick, the costume changes are seamless and the production never lacks pace. Visually, it’s exactly what audiences expect from Legally Blonde—vibrant, stylish and full of personality.
That said, one aspect of the performance did affect our overall enjoyment.
Having seen Legally Blonde before—including an excellent recent production by Ulster Operatic—we already knew the story well. Even so, there were several moments where we found it difficult to clearly hear the song lyrics and some of the rapid-fire jokes. At times the vocals felt slightly nasal, and with the orchestra and ensemble at full volume, some of the words became lost.
For my daughter, who was experiencing the musical for the very first time, this made following the story more difficult. Much of Legally Blonde’s plot unfolds through its songs, so when lyrics aren’t crystal clear, some important character development and humour can easily be missed.
Interestingly, on the drive home we listened to the original cast soundtrack together. It immediately highlighted just how much of the storytelling happens within the lyrics. Hearing those songs again made certain scenes and character motivations much clearer than they had felt in the theatre.
That’s certainly not a criticism of the cast’s commitment or energy—both were unquestionable—but rather an observation that clearer vocal delivery would have allowed the clever writing and witty lyrics to land with even greater impact.
Fans of the original film should also be aware that the stage musical isn’t a scene-for-scene adaptation. It takes a different route in places, expanding relationships and adding its own theatrical flair. If you go in expecting the film on stage, you may notice some differences, but viewed as its own production it remains an entertaining and uplifting musical.
Ultimately, Legally Blonde is exactly the sort of show that audiences love: funny, colourful, uplifting and filled with memorable performances. While we occasionally struggled to catch every lyric and joke, there is still plenty to enjoy, with George Crawford’s standout performance and Amber Davies’ engaging portrayal of Elle leading a talented company.
If you’re looking for an energetic night at the theatre that celebrates confidence, friendship and believing in yourself, Legally Blonde is well worth a visit before it leaves Belfast.
Rating: ★★★☆☆(3.5/5)
Read more: Review: Waitress The Musical delivers plenty of laughs, emotion and outstanding performances at Belfast’s Grand Opera House · What’s On in Belfast
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