We sang, swayed and tapped our feet, we cheered and clapped, gasped and smiled, and then we stood to give a much deserved standing ovation to the young cast of Legally Blonde. It was a joyous, fun, emotional and uplifting night.
Lily butler wouldn’t be out of place on the West End stage
Unashamedly pink, camp and glossy, no stone was left unturned in MYCO’s exuberant and over-the-top production at Oxford Playhouse, and we delighted in the costumes, set and choreography.
And while a hugely applauded team effort, the talent of the lead Lily Butler, who plays unlikely feminist Elle, was quite jaw-dropping.
Lily wouldn’t be out of place on the West End stage and MYCO must have rubbed their hands in glee when they first heard her voice, which enraptured us all from the first to the last notes.
The well known story depicts fashionista Elle who follows her boyfriend to Harvard Law School, encountering prejudice at every turn, but stays true to herself and proves her worth both in and out of court.
Said boyfriend Warner (Max Wappner) proves to be a no-good, double-crossing, snob, but Elle moves on, choosing her friends carefully and triumphing in the end.
the hugely gifted 12-19 year-old MYCO cast all got their moment in the sun
How producer Guy Brigg managed to ensure all the cast were all on stage for the big musical numbers, and managed to shine, is another story, but the hugely gifted 12-19 year-olds he works with all got their moment in the sun.
The humour was also delightful, favourite number ‘Gay or European’ reducing the audience to hysterics, as did UPS driver Kyle (Sam Blake) and his biggest admirer the hugely enjoyable Paulette (Freya Dobson).
if nothing else legally blonde is a wonderful reminder of the abounding talent of our young people
The athletic and potentially criminal Brooke Wytham (Hannah Bates) also shone bright as did the corduroy clad Emmett (Mason Chandler-Wickens) who becomes Elle’s biggest champion.
Dog lovers will be enchanted by the triage of delights who come in the form of Ted (Bruiser) and Willow (Rufus and Monty).
I dare you not to enjoy Legally Blonde. Yes, it’s a bit sugary, but who doesn’t need a bit of glitter, music and dancing after the bleakest few years. If nothing else this is a wonderful reminder of the abounding talent of our young people.
MYCO’s LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL runs until Saturday April 16 with matinees. Book at https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/events/legally-blonde-the-musical
Katherine MacAlister
