People have been rooting for Lucy Moss’s revival of Legally Blonde the Musical. The 2001 film still has a devoted following over two decades since its release, and the 2007 stage adaptation is a fan favourite. When pictures of Courtney Bowman as Elle Woods, with blonde braids and a big smile, were plastered across social media, the anticipation for the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre run only grew. By opening night, large sections of the crowd were wearing all pink in honour of the musical’s signature colour. The hope and the love for this show is palpable. Thankfully, the fans will be more than satisfied – this production is seriously fabulous.
After her smarmy boyfriend Warner (Alistair Toovey) dumps her in a bid to be more “serious” with life, a heartbroken Elle gets studying. Her plan? Follow him across the country to enrol at Harvard Law School. Naturally. Though she’s there initially to try to win him back, she eventually finds true love in the practice of law. (Go feminism!) As our bubbly, blonde heroine, Bowman is a star; effervescent and bright, with second-to-none comic timing. Singing-wise, it’s a challenging vocal role that she nails at every turn, bringing belting strength in numbers such as “So Much Better” and sweetness and vulnerability in hearty ballad “Legally Blonde”. It’s everything you’d want from a leading lady, particularly in a show where she’s barely off stage.
