Legally Blonde - Rugby Theatre's Summer Youth Project

Legally Blonde Elle and friends. Photo Martin Pulley.

Legally Blonde – The Musical, performed by Rugby Theatre’s Summer Youth Project from 31 July to 4 August 2024 with matinee performances at the weekend, and BSL interpreted performances on Thursday 1 August and Sunday 4 August. Family discounts are available. Music and Lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Neil Benjamin. Book by Heather Hach. Project Director Philip Kettle.

Review by Ann Evans

Legally Blonde is Rugby Theatre’s 25th Annual Youth Project and more young people than ever turned up at rehearsals back in February. Founder of the Youth Project and the show’s Project Director Philip Kettle said that around 110 young people took part in the show which was no mean feat.

The result was a fantastically lively production of talented young people, excelling in singing, dancing and putting on a great evening’s entertainment which they should be proud of.

Elle and Warner just before the break up. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Some 26 songs were performed, all with exuberant dance routines plus a number of the actors sang solo which takes a lot of nerve but every one of them put their heart and soul into their performance, and there were some excellent singers amongst the cast. With the accompaniment of the 5 piece band, the show simply rang with music.  

Some of the main roles were shared: Legally Blonde star Elle was played by Connie Graham and Leah Hobson; Warner’s role was shared between Dexter Robinson and Jack Jones; Emmett by Eden Dowling and Louis Dutton and Paulette played by Emilie Adamson and Freya Lee. Plus many members of the cast took on more than one role.

Great singing and dancing from all the team. Photo Martin Pulley.

Covering the whole five nights himself was Joshua Womble making the role of Callahan Head of Havard Law School his very own, and a shout out to the actor playing the delivery man – who won Paulette’s heart. He didn’t have many lines, he didn’t have any solo songs but the way he played that part was Oscar worthy!

Two canine stars also delighted audiences -  Bertie the shitzu taking on the role of Elle’s dog Bruiser who was happy to stay in Elle’s arms and Barley the cockerpoo making his stage debut as Rufus – and a perfect job he did too, appearing right on cue.

Elle and Warner. Photo Martin Pulley.

The story of Legally Blonde follows the journey of fashion-savvy Elle, whose life is turned upside down when she is dumped by her boyfriend Warner. In an effort to win him back, Elle follows Warner to Havard Law School where she discovers her true potential, makes lifelong friends and proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

The whole cast of Legally Blonde. Photo Martin Pulley.

The performers are all aged between 10 and 20 and the youth performance is put together in just two weeks! Behind the scenes there is fantastic support from a small army of volunteers from chaperones and helpers to the technical and production team who create the set, the wardrobe, audio and lighting, music, choreography and everything else that goes into making this such a fantastic show each year. Congratulations to everyone involved - another great success!

See www.rugbytheatre.co.uk or call the Rugby Theatre box office on 01788 541234 to see if tickets are available.