12th February 2026
Curve, Leicester
“Keep
it positive!”
Let me begin by saying I love Legally
Blonde. It’s fluffy and feel-good. Yes, it has been dismissed as bubblegum
feminism, but the message it sends out to women and girls is commendable;
celebrating supportive female relationships and the importance of staying true
to yourself. And everyone loves a good courtroom drama, right? I have watched
the film more times than I’d care to admit… so when it came to seeing Nikolai
Foster’s latest production of Laurence O’Keefe, Neil Benjamin and Heather
Hach’s 2007 musical I admit that I was predisposed to enjoy it. And having seen
Curve’s previous production of Legally Blonde nearly exactly 10 years ago,
I’m pleased to say that this latest venture proves just how much the company
has grown as a producing theatre under the direction of Foster and Chief
Executive, Chris Stafford. The show is as slick as any in the West End, and the
technical and design aspects are at an all-time high.
The pre-show playlist features several songs from
the recent Barbie movie, setting the tone for the evening. The theme
bleeds into many of the design elements, with Colin Richmond’s set
incorporating cute miniature buildings of the Delta Nu sorority house, the
hallowed halls of Harvard Law School, and even the trashy caravan inhabited by
Paulette’s ex, Dewy. The doll’s house aesthetic perfectly fits the pristine
world in which we first encounter Elle, with more substantial sets slowly
inhabiting the stage as our heroine begins to ground herself in more real,
‘serious’ realms. The Barbie influence is a natural stroke of genius,
with even the neon show curtain feeling reminiscent of the classic toy logo.
Similarly, Tom Rogers’s costumes are colourful and glam adult-size versions of
the dress-up outfits we all enjoyed playing with as children.
Exuberant performances, and energetic choreography perfectly
matches the effervescent production design. The ensemble is extremely
hard-working and display true triple-threat talent, especially the female cast
members. Amber Davies is an extremely likable Elle with a nicely understated comic
touch that ensures the character feels contemporary and never strays into
caricature territory. She is backed up by solid supporting performances from
the likes of George Crawford’s bookish Emmett and a scene-stealing Karen
Mavundukure as the kind-hearted but down-trodden salon owner, Paulette.
Mavundukure’s rendition of ‘Ireland’ is both funny and touching, bringing a
depth to the character that has perhaps been overlooked previously.
The more-than-game audience lapped up the humour,
the camp, and the sass on display, with the second half especially gaining a rapturous
response. ‘There, Right There’ being a particular highlight in which the whole
ensemble shine. I’ve also come to the conclusion that there really is nothing
an audience likes more than seeing a dog (or two) on stage – guaranteed ‘oohs’
and ‘ahhs’! Sprout (Bruiser Woods) and Milo (Birthday boy, Rufus) earned every
penny of their appearance fee!
It’s heartwarming to spend an evening enveloped in
the fluffy, girly world of Elle Woods and I came out of Legally Blonde humming
the songs and feeling slightly better about the world. As a piece of
good-natured, poppy musical theatre it’s nigh on impossible to dislike, and
with the current scheduling a perfect Galentine’s treat!
Legally Blonde plays at Curve until 21st February before touring the UK and
Ireland.
For more information and full tour dates please
visit: Tour Information -
Legally Blonde
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Amber Davies as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde. Credit Marc Brenner
