Love Midlands Theatre

Legally Blonde - Peterbrook Players

4/4/2019

 
Picture
It’s snaps all round in Solihull this week as Legally Blonde crashes into The Core Theatre, courtesy of Peterbrook Players. Following their roaring success with Spamalot last year, there was a palpable excitement entering the theatre. The first of two shows to celebrate their 50th anniversary, the team brought in projections and stripped back the set, allowing for smoother scene changes and slicker transitions. ​

Following the story of lovelorn Elle Woods who sets her sights on Harvard in order to win back her smarmy ex-boyfriend Warner, the story was brought to colourful like by the extensive cast of Peterbrook Players. The beauty of this show (and probably one of the biggest challenges for the director) is the exhaustive list of roles available, which means many of the cast get their moment in the spotlight. Some cameo highlights included: Joe Allen and Martin Knott whose multi-roling skills are to be applauded; James Skinner as the grotesque Dewey; Audrey Martin as the brilliant Enid Hoops and of course, the wonderful canine talents of Rudi Bates and Duke Gough as Bruiser and Rufus. However, the cameo performance that stole the night was James Gough as Kyle. With the audience applauding from his first appearance, he made every single moment on the stage count and it was utterly hilarious. 

There was a raft of strong supporting performances from this talented ensemble, including the spirited Greek chorus; Ed Mears as the self-obsessed, churlish Warner; Penny Simpkins as keep-fit guru Brooke who delivered a great Whipped Into Shape; Jonathan Busk made for a sleazy Professor Callahan with an impressive rendition of Blood In The Water and Laura Peters was in excellent voice as Vivienne.

Leading the way in spectacular style was a trio of fantastic performers. Jen Cole’s Paulette was a comic delight, whilst Mitch Coughlin-Miller expertly captured the role of Emmett, with his beautiful voice soaring through the auditorium in Chip On My Shoulder. And last (but by no means least), was the superb Sophia Bailey as Elle Woods. A triple threat of singing, acting and dancing, she brought Elle’s character to vibrant life. 
​

Admittedly, there were a few technical glitches and some slight sound balance issues at times, but these are small gripes for what was a well-crafted production.

Under the assured direction of Richard Agg, he ensured a pacy production that delivered on laughs, with a suite of talented performances, supported by a fine ensemble. Plus, a huge shout out to choreographer Suzanne Ballard-Yates who created some fantastic dance numbers and Musical Director Chris Davis, who brought the music to life. 

Congratulations Peterbrook Players, you’ve done it again!

Comments are closed.

    Love Midlands Theatre

    Sharing the latest theatre news and reviews around the Midlands.

    Archives

    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    June 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015

    Categories

    All
    Amateur Theatre
    Birmingham
    Coventry
    Love Midlands Theatre
    Professional
    Review
    Solihull
    Stafford
    Tamworth
    Theatre
    Wolverhampton

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Contact