Legally Blonde (Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society Youth)

Yes, it's suddenly gone very 'pink' (although I hear 'tangerine' is the new 'pink' !) at Stourbridge Town Hall this week as Quarry Bank Musical Theatre Society Youth perform their production of 'Legally Blonde' led by a blindingly outstanding performance as Elle Woods by Heather Hadley, some comedy, some pathos and an amazing vocal, you couldn't ask for anything more in the role. It's fortunate that this is a cast full of talent that can keep-up and expertly coordinated by Director/Choreographer, Zoe Russell and Musical Director, Nick Jeavons.

So Elle chases her boyfriend, Warner Huntington III (a suitably handsome performance from Harrison Hill) to Harvard Law, what strange deluded planet is she on you might ask. Well if she hadn't there would be no meeting with real love interest, Emmett Forrest another exemplary performance from Alex Brettell and we all know she is a much better match with him, leave Warner to that 'evil preppy with a mousy brown bob', Vivienne Kensington a forthright and commanding portrayal from Isabella Cook.

You can't go to Harvard Law and not be educated, even if it is by the imposing and somewhat scary figure of Joe Horton as Professor Callaghan but, then Elle is used to her 'Girls from Delta Nu' who are more excitable and energetic in the leading form of Amelia Humphries (Margot), Bryany Palmer (Serena) and Jayden Allen (Pilar) a trio of invigorating voices and dance moves worthy of any Greek Chorus.

However Elle needs somebody to confide in and who else will listen and advise with more life experience than a hairdresser, Robyn Georgina Harding is Paulette Bonafonte and I mean 'is', I've seen the part played more often than I can remember and by some 'big names' but, this is an exceptional performance that entertains the audience to the utmost. It's a similar situation with Connor Hassan's depiction of Kyle, the UPS Guy (walking porn apparently, I couldn't possibly comment !), it's not an extensive role but, he milks it for every conceivable laugh and cheer and that suggests some considerable on stage presence.

If you're going to prove your legal smarts you need a case and 'fitness queen', Brooke Wyndham (played with the ultimate in energy by Darcy Powell) accused of murder, is as high profile as they come. I don't think I will forget the small interchange between Brooke and uber feminist Enid Hoops (a characterful performance by Martha Crump) ..... 'Yo Sister!' ..... 'Yo Not Related!' it brought one of many smiles to my face.

Normally I would wax lyrical for at least a large paragraph about the canine members of the cast but, I won't, however both cute Chihuahua, Maud as Bruiser Woods and the much larger Douge de Bordeaux, Barney as Rufus are obviously seasoned audience pleasers.

I'd love to mention every single member of this extensive cast as they all deserve credit for a thoroughly entertaining production but, that would need more pages than your average LSAT Training Manual, however one individual that I can't ignore, Jessica Clews has an amazing voice, sadly we didn't hear enough of it in her three supporting roles including that of perm laden murderess Chutney Wyndham, I feel a more principal role ought to be on the horizon.

OMG You Guys don't miss this one, so grab your tickets and be part of those that excel or as Callaghan says 'Welcome to the Middle' !




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