1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Sept 15, 2017 21:38:25 GMT
Fabulous five star show! Highly recommended. In terrific shape for a first performance. More thoughts tomorrow.
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1,936 posts
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Post by wickedgrin on Sept 16, 2017 7:55:29 GMT
If you like Legally Blonde the Musical you will love this production.
Great set with portals representing pillars at wonky angles which is reflected in the angled sets which fly in and trucked on from the sides. Sometimes these set pieces anchored the action a little too far upstage on this large stage, however, but some really creative, different direction from the London production (no spoilers) which really worked from the opening number OMG You Guys to Whipped Into Shape which is exhausting even to watch let alone perform - this cast are fit!
Great lighting design - lots of Elle pink, blues, and violet. Pretty, colourful and suited the candy floss nature of the show.
Great costumes. The show really looked terrific. Money has been spent!
Terrific ensemble of course who worked their socks off and sang and danced up a storm - some really inventive choreography especially during Gay and European.
The tempo of the show slower than in London and the famous Broadway production. The numbers just a little slower, which although adds to the running time, made the dialogue and what was happening on stage crystal clear which sometimes does not happen with this show. So the show came down at 10.20 last night but started 10 minutes late. So running time 2.40 with interval. Usually 15 mins shorter than this but the show gained clarity taking a little more time.
Principle performances very good, some will get more into the roles as the run progresses. The show benefits from having a superb Elle played by Lucie Jones who not only looks sensational in a long blonde wig, but has a lovely on stage personality and presence and above all in an almost sung through show a stunning voice.
Liam Doyle as Warner was suitably unlikeable and David Barrett made a convincing Emmett.
Bill Ward as Callahan will ease into the part as the run continues - he looked a shade uncomfortable last night with some of the rather tricky numbers he has to perform but made a decent fist of it.
Rita Simmons as Paulette (for me) gave the weakest performance of the night. Vocally OK but the number Ireland was not knocked out of the park like it should have been. She was hampered in her portrayal I thought by the most hideous huge pantomime wig - it needs (literally) cutting.
So a cracking production - high production values and well worth catching - coming to a theatre near you!
Plus two cute dogs of course - what's not to like?
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34 posts
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Post by charmedjean on Sept 16, 2017 20:38:38 GMT
I watched the Matinee today and absolutely loved it! The production was different from the version I saw in London - so it was really refreshing to watch. I loved the set - very clever and pretty! They really have invested money into this production. I didn't see the production in Leicester, so not sure how different it is. I couldn't take my eyes of the stage - so much to look at!
The cast are fantastic, I really enjoyed watching Lucie as Elle, she really looked the part and had stunning vocals! I also enjoyed watching Vivienne and Brooke! (wow... she could create her own fitness DVDs!!)
The music was definitely a bit slower but I loved it - there was a slight technical glitch when something that come down from the ceiling hit another piece of set (which was manually moved by someone)
I may have to book another ticket for next week...! The people around me were cheering and laughing, I'm glad they enjoyed it as much as I did!
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4,985 posts
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Post by Phantom of London on Sept 16, 2017 21:00:03 GMT
If you like Legally Blonde the Musical you will love this production. Great set with portals representing pillars at wonky angles which is reflected in the angled sets which fly in and trucked on from the sides. Sometimes these set pieces anchored the action a little too far upstage on this large stage, however, but some really creative, different direction from the London production (no spoilers) which really worked from the opening number OMG You Guys to Whipped Into Shape which is exhausting even to watch let alone perform - this cast are fit! Great lighting design - lots of Elle pink, blues, and violet. Pretty, colourful and suited the candy floss nature of the show. Great costumes. The show really looked terrific. Money has been spent! Terrific ensemble of course who worked their socks off and sang and danced up a storm - some really inventive choreography especially during Gay and European. The tempo of the show slower than in London and the famous Broadway production. The numbers just a little slower, which although adds to the running time, made the dialogue and what was happening on stage crystal clear which sometimes does not happen with this show. So the show came down at 10.20 last night but started 10 minutes late. So running time 2.40 with interval. Usually 15 mins shorter than this but the show gained clarity taking a little more time. Principle performances very good, some will get more into the roles as the run progresses. The show benefits from having a superb Elle played by Lucie Jones who not only looks sensational in a long blonde wig, but has a lovely on stage personality and presence and above all in an almost sung through show a stunning voice. Liam Doyle as Warner was suitably unlikeable and David Barrett made a convincing Emmett. Bill Ward as Callahan will ease into the part as the run continues - he looked a shade uncomfortable last night with some of the rather tricky numbers he has to perform but made a decent fist of it. Rita Simmons as Paulette (for me) gave the weakest performance of the night. Vocally OK but the number Ireland was not knocked out of the park like it should have been. She was hampered in her portrayal I thought by the most hideous huge pantomime wig - it needs (literally) cutting. So a cracking production - high production values and well worth catching - coming to a theatre near you! Plus two cute dogs of course - what's not to like? I was at the same performance. This is the first performance of the UK Tour, so really a first preview and it showed in places, with some sound issues and some crashing and banging backstage, the production will improve when it gets tighter, but saying all that the show is so soppy and dizzy and blonde, it is also insanely enjoyable and the book is oddly quite smart, which is accompanied by a score that as some great highlights, especially the title song. As pointed out some great performances, the chihuahua wasn't one of them, who got a sudden bout of stage-fright, I also thought the actress who played Vivienne Kensington did a fine job. Elle is always adorable, even though she is a 'preppie'. I also enjoyed Warner and Emmett. Quite a big set for a tour, but flimsy. |
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487 posts
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Post by deej4life on Sept 18, 2017 18:39:31 GMT
I plan to see the production when it comes to Dublin, will all the current cast still be there by the time it arrives at Bord Gais?
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2,452 posts
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Post by theatremadness on Sept 18, 2017 18:42:22 GMT
I plan to see the production when it comes to Dublin, will all the current cast still be there by the time it arrives at Bord Gais? .....do you know something we don't??  |
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16 posts
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Post by garetha on Sept 18, 2017 18:52:36 GMT
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821 posts
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Post by ensembleswings on Sept 18, 2017 18:57:48 GMT
I plan to see the production when it comes to Dublin, will all the current cast still be there by the time it arrives at Bord Gais? I was under the impression it was the same cast for the whole tour, like it is for most tours. Unless you've heard something that has made you think otherwise? |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 18, 2017 19:09:24 GMT
I plan to see the production when it comes to Dublin, will all the current cast still be there by the time it arrives at Bord Gais? I was under the impression it was the same cast for the whole tour, like it is for most tours. Unless you've heard something that has made you think otherwise? I think the fact there is a three month break maybe deej4life was unsure if the same cast would return in March but yes, this cast are scheduled to appear for the whole tour, 2017 and 2018 dates  |
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821 posts
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Post by ensembleswings on Sept 18, 2017 19:36:45 GMT
I think the fact there is a three month break maybe deej4life was unsure if the same cast would return in March but yes, this cast are scheduled to appear for the whole tour, 2017 and 2018 dates Fair enough, being honest I hadn't actually looked at the tour schedule to realise there was a three month break. I know that Lucie is definitely doing the entire tour though, so I presume the rest of the cast will also be. |
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217 posts
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Post by benny20 on Sept 18, 2017 22:15:37 GMT
If you like Legally Blonde the Musical you will love this production. Great set with portals representing pillars at wonky angles which is reflected in the angled sets which fly in and trucked on from the sides. Sometimes these set pieces anchored the action a little too far upstage on this large stage, however, but some really creative, different direction from the London production (no spoilers) which really worked from the opening number OMG You Guys to Whipped Into Shape which is exhausting even to watch let alone perform - this cast are fit! Great lighting design - lots of Elle pink, blues, and violet. Pretty, colourful and suited the candy floss nature of the show. Great costumes. The show really looked terrific. Money has been spent! Terrific ensemble of course who worked their socks off and sang and danced up a storm - some really inventive choreography especially during Gay and European. The tempo of the show slower than in London and the famous Broadway production. The numbers just a little slower, which although adds to the running time, made the dialogue and what was happening on stage crystal clear which sometimes does not happen with this show. So the show came down at 10.20 last night but started 10 minutes late. So running time 2.40 with interval. Usually 15 mins shorter than this but the show gained clarity taking a little more time. Principle performances very good, some will get more into the roles as the run progresses. The show benefits from having a superb Elle played by Lucie Jones who not only looks sensational in a long blonde wig, but has a lovely on stage personality and presence and above all in an almost sung through show a stunning voice. Liam Doyle as Warner was suitably unlikeable and David Barrett made a convincing Emmett. Bill Ward as Callahan will ease into the part as the run continues - he looked a shade uncomfortable last night with some of the rather tricky numbers he has to perform but made a decent fist of it. Rita Simmons as Paulette (for me) gave the weakest performance of the night. Vocally OK but the number Ireland was not knocked out of the park like it should have been. She was hampered in her portrayal I thought by the most hideous huge pantomime wig - it needs (literally) cutting. So a cracking production - high production values and well worth catching - coming to a theatre near you! Plus two cute dogs of course - what's not to like? I was at the same performance. This is the first performance of the UK Tour, so really a first preview and it showed in places, with some sound issues and some crashing and banging backstage, the production will improve when it gets tighter, but saying all that the show is so soppy and dizzy and blonde, it is also insanely enjoyable and the book is oddly quite smart, which is accompanied by a score that as some great highlights, especially the title song. As pointed out some great performances, the chihuahua wasn't one of them, who got a sudden bout of stage-fright, I also thought the actress who played Vivienne Kensington did a fine job. Elle is always adorable, even though she is a 'preppie'. I also enjoyed Warner and Emmett. Quite a big set for a tour, but flimsy. |
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217 posts
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Post by benny20 on Sept 18, 2017 22:15:59 GMT
If you like Legally Blonde the Musical you will love this production. Great set with portals representing pillars at wonky angles which is reflected in the angled sets which fly in and trucked on from the sides. Sometimes these set pieces anchored the action a little too far upstage on this large stage, however, but some really creative, different direction from the London production (no spoilers) which really worked from the opening number OMG You Guys to Whipped Into Shape which is exhausting even to watch let alone perform - this cast are fit! Great lighting design - lots of Elle pink, blues, and violet. Pretty, colourful and suited the candy floss nature of the show. Great costumes. The show really looked terrific. Money has been spent! Terrific ensemble of course who worked their socks off and sang and danced up a storm - some really inventive choreography especially during Gay and European. The tempo of the show slower than in London and the famous Broadway production. The numbers just a little slower, which although adds to the running time, made the dialogue and what was happening on stage crystal clear which sometimes does not happen with this show. So the show came down at 10.20 last night but started 10 minutes late. So running time 2.40 with interval. Usually 15 mins shorter than this but the show gained clarity taking a little more time. Principle performances very good, some will get more into the roles as the run progresses. The show benefits from having a superb Elle played by Lucie Jones who not only looks sensational in a long blonde wig, but has a lovely on stage personality and presence and above all in an almost sung through show a stunning voice. Liam Doyle as Warner was suitably unlikeable and David Barrett made a convincing Emmett. Bill Ward as Callahan will ease into the part as the run continues - he looked a shade uncomfortable last night with some of the rather tricky numbers he has to perform but made a decent fist of it. Rita Simmons as Paulette (for me) gave the weakest performance of the night. Vocally OK but the number Ireland was not knocked out of the park like it should have been. She was hampered in her portrayal I thought by the most hideous huge pantomime wig - it needs (literally) cutting. So a cracking production - high production values and well worth catching - coming to a theatre near you! Plus two cute dogs of course - what's not to like? I was at the same performance. This is the first performance of the UK Tour, so really a first preview and it showed in places, with some sound issues and some crashing and banging backstage, the production will improve when it gets tighter, but saying all that the show is so soppy and dizzy and blonde, it is also insanely enjoyable and the book is oddly quite smart, which is accompanied by a score that as some great highlights, especially the title song. As pointed out some great performances, the chihuahua wasn't one of them, who got a sudden bout of stage-fright, I also thought the actress who played Vivienne Kensington did a fine job. Elle is always adorable, even though she is a 'preppie'. I also enjoyed Warner and Emmett. Quite a big set for a tour, but flimsy. |
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217 posts
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Post by benny20 on Sept 18, 2017 22:18:42 GMT
Vivienne is played by the fantastic Laura Harrison. Have seen her in Little shop of horrors and more recently Parade at Hope Mill Manchester. She has also toured a lot in Blood Brothers.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 19:50:36 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 19, 2017 23:04:13 GMT
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34 posts
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Post by charmedjean on Sept 21, 2017 8:16:06 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 22, 2017 19:00:18 GMT
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95 posts
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Post by herculesmulligan on Sept 27, 2017 20:08:52 GMT
Saw this the other day and thought it was really rather great. Some lovely touches and a lot of fun. A little long perhaps.Lucie Jones was fantastic as Elle, funny, difficult to keep your eye off, and really made you feel for and love the character. And boy can she sing. What a voice. Probably the best Elle there has been.
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396 posts
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Post by djp on Sept 28, 2017 23:52:14 GMT
Saw this in Bromley. Its very good. Lucie is Elle with tones of Sandy . She doesn't play with the fourth wall like Sheridan did, or hit the emotions quite as well as Amy, but she gets the laughs, makes people love Elle, scores with the highs and lows, and she sings it magnificently. Rita Simons is very effective as Paulette - she does play the crowd a bit, but remains consistently in the character, and gives strong ireland - minus the optional top notes most other people left optional, but very strong anyway. The audience. really took to her. Helen Petrovna as Brooke is also very strong vocally, and physically, with her ropes. As Good as Aoife Mulholland with some good additions to the choregraphy to show off. Ensemble was also very impressive , and the male leads worked well enough.
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396 posts
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Post by djp on Oct 1, 2017 2:07:47 GMT
I think Elle's costumes are partly a response to the number of costume changes - she and much of the cast seemed often to be wearing multiple layers including, bizarrely, possibly something else under her bunny outfit which looked odd otherwise . It looked like Cosette and Eponine would in les Mis, if the Les mis costume designers hadn't done a better job making the early peasants , and inn girls still look thin, and the lovely ladies look lovely, |
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821 posts
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Post by ensembleswings on Oct 2, 2017 23:39:00 GMT
Saw this tonight, it's worth trying to catch if you can. Strong cast and overall it's just a great fun show.
Not everything quite went to plan tonight, but that's kind of to be expected when you're working with animals, the dog playing bruiser ran on stage only to turn around and run straight off again (ended up being carried on). The best however, was when the dog playing Rufus ran away from the harness and straight onto the stage before he should have appeared, great crowd reaction to this but it did mean both Lucie and Rita ended up in a fit of laughter, took Lucie a few attempts to complete her line afterwards, this only added to the show though and took nothing away.
Full standing ovation from a packed Hippodrome.
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Post by danb on Oct 6, 2017 22:17:08 GMT
Wow, how good is this production? I always enjoy the show when I see it, but Lucie Jones is a great actress with a brilliant voice which elevates the material further. Rita Simons brought something fresh to Paullette too and was a welcome surprise. Fab!
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1,046 posts
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Post by jgblunners on Oct 14, 2017 17:02:50 GMT
This was such good fun this afternoon! After being in love with the score for so long, I'm so happy to have finally seen the show live and really did not disappoint. My worries about the set looking cartoony were ill-founded - for the most part it works for the style of this production, although from the front row some of the set pieces did look rather cheap. The lighting design is fantastic, and despite the band being quite small they produce a really good sound (although the synth strings were very obvious). Apart from a couple of wigs that looked a bit suspect and some questionable outfits for Elle, the costume design was good too. The choreography was mostly good, but felt a bit 'let's do an action for each lyric' at some points.
Act one was noticeably flatter than Act two - jokes didn't hit the mark quite as well (although that's partly to do with the American references that just go over the heads of most of us Brits) and I felt that energy was lacking from some cast members. Act two perked up though, and showed how wonderful this show, and this cast, are.
Lucie Jones took a little while to warm into Elle's feistiness, but once she did she was magnificent. Her voice is beautiful and is really quite powerful when she lets rip. She acted the emotional rollercoaster in Act two wonderfully.
Rita Simons was a massive surprise, she stole the show for me. Her portrayal was exactly what the role calls for and she hit the mark perfectly. Her voice blew me away too! I loved that she put in the growliness and had a strong enough belt to sustain those higher notes.
Bill Ward was ok as Callaghan, but I wish he would be less fidgety! I also didn't like that he was a bit shouty in his speak-singing. He could sing perfectly well so I don't understand the shoutiness. With some refinement he could be great in the role.
All the other principles were fantastic and I really can't fault any of them - I won't list them all but this production has an absolutely phenomenal cast. I had a little MT nerd moment of glee upon hearing the actress playing Vivienne nail the signature high A at the end of 'Legally Blonde Remix'.
I was very pleasantly surprised at the quality of this production considering the lower price they're selling tickets at compared to other big tours at the moment. Yes, some aspects look a bit cheap, but otherwise this production is really fantastic and I defy anyone not to have a whale of a time watching it and come out with a massive smile on their face.
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2,775 posts
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Post by daniel on Oct 15, 2017 1:00:45 GMT
Saw this on Tuesday, Lucie Jones was off - very strong performance from the understudy.
I knew nothing of the show - other than a brief part of "Omigod You Guys" being on the interval playlist at Showstoppers on Monday and my friend saying "oh this is from Legally Blonde!" I've never seen the film or earlier iterations of the show so I went in blind.
First up I loved the score, and the energy of the show as a piece. The music is infectious and the cast give a committed performance.
My problem with this was the physical production itself. My god. A little bit of Internet digging informed me that this is in fact basically the exact production that they hire out for amateur groups. And it looked like it. Don't get me wrong, I have no production with amateur dramatics I think it's wonderful, but to take an amateur set on the road and be charging towards £50 per ticket is, in my eyes, an outrage. Generally it was 2D and flimsy or a frontcloth. Oh and the back was a starcloth, which I think is just super lazy, unless you're actually trying to simulate a starry night sky, which they weren't. One of the doorknobs fell off at one point, another one of the doors decided it didn't want to open.
The smoke machines at the side of the stage really bugged me. They were so loud! Although I did chuckle that every time they went off *PSSHHHHH* someone would try and slide some set on in the smoke.
Lighting design reminded me of a primary school disco. Sound design was muddy, at times the vocals were just lost. And whoever programmed the keyboards needs some lessons, those synth strings were dire!
Costumes fit in very well with the sets - cheap and tacky. I think, like Hairspray, this show can get away with it to an extent, but there were a few moments that I did cringe for a second.
They should never be allowed to tour number one venues charging number one prices with this production. What makes me most sad is that once we get the cheap crap and tacky versions of shows doing the rounds, chances are we're never gonna see the "proper" one again. Think Hairspray, Footloose, Avenue Q, Starlight Express etc.
What saves Legally Blonde is that the piece itself is so strong as a "good time" show that people (myself included) have an absolute whale of a time and let the shortcomings pass.
Two star production of a four star show.
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95 posts
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Post by theatre on Oct 15, 2017 11:14:01 GMT
Saw this on Friday evening at Woking. It was good fun, but missed the mark for me hugely on the choreography in particular, which was appalling. The big dance moments were flat such as the cheerleading section in What You Want, and whilst I liked what they were trying to do with Gay or European, it wasn't quite there 100% though still a highlight of the show. I think new choreography would improve the show no end. Also I was not impressed with Callahan at all, he was played as a sort of mafia style figure not at all like in the broadway production (though one has to wonder if that's because they'd given some of his 'look' from these productions to Emmett!). The massive medley of EVERY SINGLE SONG at the end was not needed and felt like filler because act 2 was shorter than act 1. Lucie jones was great as was Rita Simmons. Whilst I wouldn't see this production again, I did have a good time and that's what matters! 3*
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