AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: Legally Blonde - The Forum Theatre, Romiley, Greater Manchester.

NK Theatre Arts in Romiley near Stockport always bring out the best of their talented members, and this evening's performance of the totally pink musical-based-on-the-film-based-on-the-novel, 'Legally Blonde' was no exception.

The story tells of Elle Woods (Lauren Sanckson), one of the Malibu elite, whose only goal in life - apart from wearing pink and shopping - is to marry her teenage heart-throb, Warner, thus keeping the money and the privileges in the family without her actually having to do anything... that is until Warner 'dumps' her, and she finds that she actually truly does love him, and her life is empty without him; and so, in a decision which will change the course of her life forever, she decides to follow him to the other side of the States and go to Harvard Law School ostensibly to study law, but, basically just to be near him. What actually happens however, is Elle finds that there is much more to her than just a sexy body and a monied father, and of course, because this is a Musical, there is a feel-good and somewhat moralistic ending.

As always, Romiley's Forum Theatre's large stage was filled with set and cast, and this large cast were giving 100% all the time.. the energy and commitment was palpable, and everyone on stage was obviously enjoying every second of it, which shone through into the audience. Director Hannah Thomas had given the show a few nice personal touches, and once the choreography kicked in (there was a lot of singing at the start which was crying out for choreography), it was hugely energetic and completely apt for the style of show, executed with ease. And of course we had the "aah factor" times two this evening as well, as not one, but two dogs graced the theatre's stage.

Supporting Sanckson's epic portrayal of Elle were a host of principal and cameo roles, as well as the dancing Delta Nu cheerleaders, and an ensemble. I can't mention all, but I can mention four, who, for me at least, created characters which were their own and yet still within the remit of the show, performing with elan and skill throughout. First in this list has to be John Dean, who played the cameo roles of Kyle, Chad, and Carlos, bringing something new to each, and despite the caricatures being overt, they were still somehow totally believable, and we (the audience) loved his stage presence. Emma Lester's Paulette was sincere and yet very funny, and made the perfect foil for Dean's Kyle, as the two of them worked excellently together. It was such a shame that this evening Megan Voss had a microphone that was not working and her skipping rope was not being 'whipped into shape' with a mind of its own, but Voss's characterisation was secure and she has a good stage presence and is an excellent dancer. The fourth cast member was a dancer - a Delta Nu, and had a solo in 'What You Want', although I have scanned the programme and cannot find the names of the ensemble anywhere. [She does, however have a photo of her in the programme and appears with Elle in the bottom left of page 3!]

That does not in any way diminish the performances of everyone else on stage this evening; and despite the several technical hitches present this evening, this was a joyous, high energy show full of larger-than-life characters and good old American hi-jinx!

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 29.9.22