“Legally Blonde” by Derby Youth Musical Theatre
Derby Theatre

What a totally great way to start the weekend, or end the week, however you want to look at it. “Legally Blonde” for me is like pulling a party popper that goes on for a few hours; immense fun and incredibly heart-warming. This must be the third time that I have seen this musical in the last 12 months and it’s just one of those musicals that you, well I at least, never tire of seeing.

The programme states that Derby Youth Musical Theatre proudly presents, and you know what word says it all? PROUDLY, because that's what every single performer on that stage should be. Proud of the amazing show that they have given us... their audience.

I love this musical and I have never seen a poor version of it, and Derby Youth Musical Theatre have produced another wonderful production.

For those who don’t know, the musical follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams and her man.

Elle appears to have it all. Her life is turned on its' head, however, when her boyfriend, Warner, dumps her so he can start getting serious about his life and attend Harvard Law.

Determined to get him back, Elle uses her charm to get into Harvard Law. At school, she struggles with peers, professors, and Warner Huntington. With the help of new found friends, Paulette and Emmett, Elle quickly realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.

I could just put OMG and end the review there, but I need to let you know what talented young actors were gracing the stage. Young id the key word as the theatre group is for people between the ages of 13 and 25 and you very quickly forget that the people on the stage are of that age because of the standard of this show.

Megan Sadler (Elle Woods), what can I say? just perfect casting and what an amazing voice that belies her 17 years and a personality with more bubbles than a bar of Aero. This is her debut for DYMT and what a way to debut.

Lauren Owen (Margot),Mia Mitchell (Serena) and Hope Redfern (Pilar) simply sizzled as Elle's BFF's

Harry Thornton (Warner Huntingdon III) has a great voice for musical theatre and he definitely made an impression with the females in the audience as soon as he smouldered onto the stage.

Ryan Wiggins (Emmett Forrest). I have been aware of Ryan for a few years now, and he's still only 18 years old, Every time I see Ryan on stage he grows as a performer. I didn't think he could top "Phantom" for Creatio but tonight his singing has matured so much and those long notes held so steady. There is an instant likeability about this young man which comes through the character and you just feel nothing but elation when he gets the girl at the end.

Lindsey Greasley (Paulette Buonafonte). One of my favourite characters in this musical as she is so ballsy, but with that vulnerable side and Lindsey did a superb job of bringing the comic and vulnerable sides out. Once again, an amazing voice for the theatre as well. This too is her DYMT debut.

Bailey West (Kyle B. O’Boyle). is he really only 15 years old? This young man is another young actor I've been aware of previously, but this role really takes his acting to another level. Playing the "lovable sex object" of the piece who always seems to have a package for Paulette. You could tell that Bailey relished the sauciness of his part!

Rachel Bayliss (Brooke Wyndham) blew me away as the convicted fitness instructor accused of murder. Not only with the skipping/acting/singing skills but by her resemblance to Corrie actor Lucy Fallon. And Rachel looked amazing in the costumes she wears in the role.

William Evans (Professor Callahan) for me stuck out because his characterisation of the older sleazeball Professor was done wonderfully. He seemed to get into the character so well. The make up to age William was superb.

Lily Moss (Vivienne). This is another character I love in this musical because of the complete reversal of the character's character. This showed off Lily's acting prowess to the max.

Niamh Abbott (Enid). OMG there are so many characters in this musical i love. Another positive and ballsy female character with great humour, played so well.

Amelia Maskrey (Kate), Zia Blurton (Leilani), Jessica Henshaw (Galen), Amy Burchell (Mimi) and Kira Coombs (Whitney), all incredible fun to watch and amazing energy in the choreography sections.

Daniella Stringer (The judge) got the seriousness of the role blended well with the comedy and the flirtyiness with Nikos.

Katherine Welsh (Chutney Wyndham). Loved the accent and the mic between part grungy attitude and manicness.

Rhiannon Morey (Elle’s Mom/Store manager) and Johan Holloway (Elle’s Dad), both gave superb characterised performances as Elle's parents

Amy Brett (D.A. Joyce Riley) simply joyful to watch.

Liam Ellis (Aaron Schulz), only a minor role but loved the snobbishness of his rich lifestyle in the reasons why he should be let into Harvard. Great fun.

Luke Preston-Davies (Sandeep Padaman/Nikos). Both great characters but Luke really came alive playing Nikos and he didn't even have to say much to get the laughter going, just by his actions and physicality of the part did he get the audience behind him! Along with Thomas Davies (Carlos) they almost brought the roof down with the song "Gay Or European".

Callum Davis (Grandmaster Chad), Dominic Wood (TV Reporter/ Pilot), Jude Sinclair (Lowell/Prison Guard), Russell Hughes (Pforzheimer) and Haydn Robe (Winthrop/Dewey), all brought elements of comedy to this brilliant musical.

Added to these there’s also many others who make up the cheerleaders, Sorority Girls and Prison Dancers, What a large and amazingly talented cast.

And I can't forget Princess (Bruiser Woods) and Ralph (Rufus) for playing their parts so well and for winning every heart in the theatre.

This is a massive success for the production tea, because it was so tight, a duck's bottom would be jealous. Holly Twells (Director), Daisy Twells and Caroline Green (Choreographers), Charlotte Daniel (Musical Director) as well as the amazing orchestra which sounded so big and brassy and clear, made all the more lush by the wonderful acoustics this theatre has. Wonderful costumes by Judith Evans.

The soundtrack to this musical is just so much fun to see performed. I've mentioned my love for the presentation of "Gay Or European" but songs like "O Mi God You Guys", "Blood In The Water", "Positive", "Serious", "Ireland","Whipped Into Shape", "Bend And Snap" and the title song will be stuck in your head long after you leave the theatre.

The lighting was of a very professional standard (Jamie Vella) and made for a very visual treat.

The sound was, as it always is at The Derby Theatre,clarity personified. You heard every word of every song and the mix was wonderfully designed by Harry Greatorex.

This production was as good, and professional as you would see on any major stage and the talent was mind-blowing. These young actors have very big futures with performances like this and I couldn't find one little thing to critique about this production.

As I said at the start, the word that sticks in my head from the programme is "proud" because if I was involved in this production, that is what I would be.

A well deserved standing ovation echoed everything that I felt about this production.

“Legally Blonde” is at the Derby Theatre until Saturday 8 September 2018. Please don't miss out.