This week, George Lawton Hall plays host to Congress Players and Legally Blonde: The Musical!
This musical is always a blast of excitement, energy and everything pink! This version of the musical is no different. In following the heartwarming underdog story of Elle Woods going through Harvard Law, Congress players have managed to hit every note and then some. This is yet another example of the unreal talent on the local circuit and how possible it is to produce professional standard performances in our thriving theatre scene.
There are a lot of people involved in this show, and what a team they seem to be – so much movement and comings and goings with scenery and props that nobody can afford to be found wanting on stage, and they most certainly weren’t. This production carries everything with style. Wonderfully inventive sets, great lighting effects and some very extravagant costume changes (Particularly for Elle) made this such an engaging and enjoyable spectacle.
Legally Blonde has a lot of moving parts – and would not succeed without a strong production team. Emma Donbavand (Director), Tom Cochrane (Choreographer) and Joanna Astley (Musical Director) are clearly a creative force to be recognised. A special mention must go to Mr. Cochrane who has these dancers ‘whipped into shape’, if you will. There were several numbers that just had that WOW factor, with no beats missed! Each number was a feast for the eyes and that certainly needs to be recognised. My favourite… ‘There! Right There!’ Just hilariously bonkers and a real must-see.
Now let’s get to the stars under the lights. Starting with the leading lady herself.
Francesca Groves plays Elle Woods, with only one real word to describe the performance. That word? Perfect. Everything Groves achieved was just so fitting for the story of Elle, and she really does shine in this role. Francesca’s singing voice is exceptional and, in particular, her vocals in ‘So much better’ and ‘Legally Blonde’ were worth the price of every ticket this week. Every musical needs a strong lead and this musical has one of the strongest leads around. Having spoke to Francesca in the build up to this spectacle, I know how excited she was to take this challenge and it’s been knocked out the park.
Alongside her, we have Emmett, played by the ever-talented Josh Hankey. Josh is no stranger to the stage, and has a wealth of experience ranging from lead vocalist on ‘Silversea Luxury Cruises’ to Passarino in the International tour of ‘Phantom of the Opera’. Experience was on show throughout from Hankey, with warmth, humour and whit on show, embodying the perfect Emmett. His vocals in ‘Legally Blonde’ and ‘Chip on my shoulder’ were just excellent.
There were standouts across the board in this production that cultivate a list of brilliant principles. Francesca Astley as Paulette was arguably a show stealer, with such amazing comedy timing and a great accent too! A hat tip must go to the musical performance in 'Ireland' - What a voice she has! John Harrison is a fantastic Professor Callahan. His whole personality shines through as the hard, stone-faced professor all the students want to impress. The sleaziness of the character with Elle really comes through and stands with power.
Nick Ward played Warner, giving that great supporting role to Elle, as the dismissive ex-boyfriend but carried some great comedic moments. He was partners with Jordanne Woodward playing Vivenne, who has wonderful development throughout the play – eventually coming to the side of Elle Woods, and rounds it off with a wonderful note in the ‘Legally Blonde remix’. Sometimes parts like that can be put to the side and remain mild but Woodward finds the perfect balance.
Rounding off this collection of talent, Elizabeth Parkin as Brooke Wyndham, and a lot of supporting dance roles throughout. Every scene Parkin is in, she makes her own – she seems to live for the stage. Also, ‘Whipped into shape’ is one of the craziest things I’ve seen. Parkin can sing, she’s no stranger to these reviews - last stated in ‘Footloose: the musical’ as Ariel – but to not only sing to that level BUT SKIP TOO?! That’s just an unfair amount of talent.
This entire show is supported and held up by a cracking ensemble! All the ‘Delta Nu’ girls, the supporting males -everyone seemed to thrive in every number. The energy of the stage never seemed to drop making it so feel-good and just an overall fantastic watch. Thriving musical numbers in succession is everything you could ever want in a musical of this standard and Congress Players have exceeded with unrivalled style.
Tickets are still available, so grab your best pink gear and get yourself down to the George Lawton Hall for this week only!
https://www.congressplayers.co.uk/tickets
