Omigod you guys… Legally Blonde: The Musical has officially arrived at Leeds Grand Theatre, and the verdict is in: this production is pure, sparkling joy.
Based on the much-loved 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, and the novel by Amanda Brown, Legally Blonde follows Elle Woods as she swaps sorority life and fashion gloss for Harvard Law, determined to prove she is far more than the assumptions people make about her. It is a story wrapped in pink, pop hooks and high-energy choreography, but underneath the glitter is something far more lasting: a reminder that self-belief is powerful, kindness is not weakness, and being underestimated can be the start of something brilliant.
This new production, directed by Nikolai Foster, arrives in Leeds bursting with colour, pace and personality. From the moment the curtain rises, the show leans fully into its own sunshine. The set is bright and playful, the costumes are deliciously fun, and the whole thing has that big, feel-good musical energy.
I was particularly excited to see Amber Davies take on the beloved role of Elle Woods, and she absolutely lights up the stage. Best known from Strictly Come Dancing, Pretty Woman, 9 to 5 The Musical and The Great Gatsby, Davies brings serious star power to the role, but what impressed me most was the stamina and detail of her performance. She is barely off stage, yet she packs each scene with comedy, warmth and charm. Her vocals soar, and she serves up that brilliant mix of sweetness, grit and humour that makes Elle such an enduring character.
There is a danger with Elle Woods that she can become all sparkle and no substance, but Davies makes sure the heart is always there. This Elle is funny, fashionable and fabulous, of course, but she is also clever, determined and quietly resilient. You root for her not just because she is entertaining, but because she reminds you what it feels like to be written off and decide to keep going anyway.
A special mention too for Hannah Lowther, who has built a dedicated musical theatre following through stage work including SIX and Heathers, as well as via her hugely popular socials. As Margot, she brings so much fun, charisma and real presence to the stage. She has a brilliant way of making even smaller moments land, and it is easy to see why she is also the production’s alternate Elle Woods.
The wider cast are fantastic across the board. George Crawford brings real kindness and warmth to Emmett, giving the character an easy charm that balances Elle beautifully. Karen Mavundukure is a total delight as Paulette, completely winning the room and bringing big comic energy without ever losing the character’s vulnerability. Adam Cooper commands the stage as Callahan, Jamie Chatterton is suitably slick as Warner, and Annabelle Terry gives Vivienne a sharpness and strength that makes her journey satisfying to watch.
And then there is the ensemble. Non-stop is the word. The choreography is slick, the energy is huge, and the company keep the whole production moving with real precision. The numbers feel full and vibrant, with the stage constantly bursting into life. And yes, the bend and snap is very much present!
What makes this production work so well is that is big, bright and funny, but it never treats the story as throwaway. The comedy is genuinely hilarious, the nostalgia is there, the pink is plentiful, but the emotional is still at the heart of it all. By the finale, the audience is not just cheering for the spectacle; they are cheering for Elle’s refusal to shrink herself to fit somebody else’s idea of who she should be.
Legally Blonde: The Musical is a total joy: feel-good, funny, fabulous and full of heart. Leeds, consider yourself legally blonde.
The important info:
Legally Blonde: The Musical runs at Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday 13 June 2026.
Tickets are from £31 – £61.
Book via Leeds Heritage Theatres or call the Box Office on 0113 243 0808.
Review and some images by Victoria Reddington @vic_reddington
Some images supplied
