Legally Blonde: The Musical – Review – Leeds Grand Theatre
By Gail Schuster, June 2026
It was a different crowd at the Grand. Legally Blonde: The Musical seems to draw far more young women, many wearing pink, than other theatre productions. Following the release of the original hit film in 2001, the musical first appeared on Broadway in 2007 and has since become an enduring classic.
The story follows fashion-focused lead character Elle, who is dumped by her wealthy, entitled boyfriend, Warner, for not being “serious enough” for his future career aspirations. She knuckles down and gets into Harvard Law School, determined to win him back by proving him wrong. However, she faces snobbery and sexism because of her background and because she dresses unapologetically in pink.
While there, she gains two unlikely allies: Paulette, a hairdresser, and Emmett, a mentor and eventual love interest. After securing a coveted internship under the ruthless Professor Callahan, Elle goes on to win the case of Brooke Wyndham, a fitness icon accused of murder. As the story progresses, Elle’s self-worth and inner strength grow as she discovers her own brilliant legal skills.
“Real energy”
Legally Blonde is a feel-good, high-energy rom-com and a piece of pure entertainment. Fast-paced and bubbly, the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. The scenes change seamlessly, as the back panels lining the stage change colour depending on the location – pink for the dress shop, crimson for Harvard Law School – while simple additions to the set are wheeled or carried on by the actors. This all helps maintain the production’s momentum.
Amber Davies, winner of Love Island 2017, finalist of Strictly Come Dancing 2025 and semi-finalist of Dancing on Ice in 2024, plays Elle with real energy. She is required to dance, sing and act for much of the show, and handles all three with impressive stamina, given that she is almost never off the stage.
Talking of energy, Jocasta Almgill, whom I saw eight years ago in Sunshine on Leith, sings ‘Whipped into Shape’ while performing synchronised skipping, which is no mean feat. Almgill opens Act Two as fitness guru Brooke Wyndham and former member of Elle’s sorority, Delta Nu.
The two love interests are performed by George Crawford and Jamie Chatterton as Emmett and Warner respectively. Chatterton performs ‘Serious’ with Davies perfectly, playing the arrogant, Harvard-bound boyfriend with great comic timing as the song progresses from apparent sweetness to revealing their very different visions for the future. Emmett is a nice guy from a poor background who studies hard and works two jobs to keep himself at Harvard. This is revealed in ‘Chip on My Shoulder’, a quieter number than many in the show, but one that sets Emmett apart from his pretentious peers.
“Vulnerability”
The role of Elle’s friends, Serena, Pilar and Margot, as a Greek chorus during the production is especially enjoyable. The three actors – Rosanna Harris, Remi Ferdinand and Hannan Lowther – appear in her imagination, visible only to her and the audience. In the song ‘Positive’, they remind her to stay positive instead of spiralling into despair when she encounters Warner’s new girlfriend. They bring their humorous, modern “sorority sister” wisdom to Elle’s problems: “Honey, whatcha cryin’ at? / You’re not losing him to that / Both her hair and shoes are flat”.
Karen Mavundukure is especially enjoyable as Paulette, bringing vulnerability to a larger-than-life character. Her interactions and developing relationship with Kyle, a delivery man, are a joy, and she delivers both of her numbers, ‘Ireland’ and ‘Bend and Snap’, perfectly.
Regardless of age, gender or predilection for wearing pink, anyone who fancies a fun night out at the theatre, complete with catchy tunes, great choreography and even two real dogs – a chihuahua and a bulldog – should find plenty to enjoy here. This musical is a celebration of being yourself, kindness and self-worth. All the cast members, human and canine, receive a well-deserved standing ovation.
Legally Blonde: The Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre until 13th June
images: Matt Crockett
Gail is a woman with many interests. She loves a bracing walk through the countryside, filling her lungs with air and enjoying the flora and fauna along the way. An animal lover, she has found herself sharing her home with creatures with four, six and eight legs, though some of the ones with a higher number of legs have been introduced by her daughter! A keen theatre goer, Gail once ran the entertainment section of her work’s social club. When she’s not walking or enjoying a performance, you can usually find her in the garden or cooking up something in the kitchen. An enthusiastic home cook who likes to try her hand at new dishes which are mostly appreciated by her husband and daughter, broccoli roulade or cauliflower pizza aside. Able to converse in several languages, Gail eventually found her cosy corner in her adopted Yorkshire.
