Review: Liverpool Empire theatre - Legally blonde the musical

For two days only, Liverpool Empire hosts the cast of its youth theatre in the production of Legally Blonde the musical. Based on the novel by Amanda Brown and the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer motion picture, the musical offers an explosion of powder puff pink, cute teacup canines and a magnanimous display of youthful talent.

From the get - go,  the energy is high and the teen exuberance with the lingo to boot is predictable but highly entertaining. The story unfolds with the protagonist Elle Woods, a privileged resident of Miami hatching a plan to pursue the man of her dreams. Warner Huntingdon II announces to Elle that he will be leaving for Harvard university and ends their relationship. What ensues in glorious magnicolour is Elle's journey to follow her heart, her being true to herself and pursuit of her sweetheart as well as her dreams. The morale of the story is undeniable and you leave the auditorium feeling uplifted and content.

The stunning cast of Legally Blonde - Liverpool Empire Youth  Theatre - Photo credit Jo Forrest Photography

The first number "Omigod you guys" is a veritable display of the talent that sits before the audience and sets the scene for the rest of the musical. The stage with its candy stripes and interchangeable scenes is impressive and intelligently constructed. The audience are convinced that they are a fly on the wall as they witness Elle celebrating with her Delta Nu sorority sisters and equally scenes of her in a courtroom.

Ellie Clayton  who plays Elle is simply stunning. Her stage presence and vocal ability belies her tender years. Isaac Hesketh who plays Elle's love interest has strong vocal ability and was a joy to listen to and watch. Sarah Dickson plays hairdresser Paulette Callahan and she is a hoot. Her range is phenomenal and she was fabulous. Daniel Greenwood who plays Emmett also gave a technically strong performance.

Ellie Clayton as Elle Woods - Photo credit Jo Forrest Photography

Congratulations to the creative team who have succeeded in producing high quality output.  Natalie Flynn: artistic director, Lauren Taylor: choreographer, Paul Lawton: musical director and Liam Waddle: assistant musical director.

Photo credit: Jo Forrest Photography

Expect cheerleader scenes with killer choreography, cute dogs, vibrant colours from the set and the outfits, excellent score and accompanying vocals. This is a must see. It picks up in momentum in Act two and becomes a little more adult in nature (tastefully so). It's hilarious in parts and emotionally charged. This is a stunning piece of musical theatre by an amazingly talented cast. It is thoroughly engaging and a delightful production by the youth theatre.

Sarah Dickson (Paulette) and Jacob Bailey (Kyle) Photo credit: Jo Forrest Photography

Legally Blonde concludes Saturday 22nd August with it's  matinée performance. Buy tickets here

Photo Credit: Jo Forrest Photography