Review: LEGALLY BLONDE, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

When a show comes along that has you grinning from ear to ear from beginning to end, you know you’re witnessing something special. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s production of Legally Blonde is that something. From the outset, infectious energy fills the amphitheatre, with a cast so slick they look like they’d been performing together for decades. 

The production’s ensemble is almost flawless. Not only that, but it finally felt like an ensemble that genuinely could be a cross-section of society. The production offers diversity and representation that could put many existing shows to shame. It oozes body positivity, inclusivity, and optimism – a shining beacon of what musical revivals should aspire to. Whilst the entire ensemble deserve recognition, special mentions must go to Isaac Hesketh (Margot), Alžbeta Matyšáková (Enid), Allie Daniel (Ensemble) and Liam McEvoy (Bruiser/Ensemble) for incredible comic timing and constant focus. Their performances are skillful, funny, and joyous to watch. 

Courtney Bowman brings the house down as Elle. Her acting and vocal choices are consistently thoughtful. Nothing is done unnecessarily, and each choice furthers the way the story is told. Her performance of Elle Woods is human, painfully relatable, and inspiring. It’s the new seminal portrayal of the role that future generations of musical theatre stars will aspire to emulate. She’s accompanied by a strong leading cast, particularly Nadine Higgin as Paulette and Lauren Drew as Brooke. Paulette’s character and plotline can sometimes be lost amidst the glitz of the main plot, but Higgin steals the show as the salon owner constantly putting others first, following a simple dream, and igniting the romantic in all of us. Drew’s performance in ‘Whipped into Shape’ is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Seeming not to break a sweat whilst skipping and belting, her performance as the fitness and lifestyle coach captures a new, body-positive attitude towards exercise, which encourages rather than intimidates. 

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre can be a tricky space to design and the real star of the overall feel are Jean Chan’s costumes. The quick changes and multitude of outfits create a bustling cornucopia of colour. Each character has a clear identity within the overarching colour scheme and costumes are body positive throughout. They are also incredibly fun, with special mention going to Bruiser the dog’s costume, played phenomenally by Liam McEvoy. The theatre can also be challenging for Sound Designers, but Tony Gayle excels in creating a vibrant, clear sound throughout, carrying the incredible orchestra. 

This production is relevant and current. It’s entrenched in the legacy of a decade that has seen the rise of non-binary awareness, the #MeToo movement, and women like Greta Thunberg and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson finally being given a platform and being heard. What sets it apart from other productions is its unashamed sense of self. Everyone is exactly who they are. Love is love is love. It’s the smash-hit we need right now, and you should race to see it. 

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Eliza Harris

Legally Blonde plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 2 July, with tickets available here.