Belfast’s Grand Opera House was awash with pink last night as Legally Blonde The Musical opened for its final run on the first leg of its 2026 UK tour.
Based on the much-loved, award-winning film, this feel-good musical follows Elle Woods as she swaps designer handbags for law books, enrolling at Harvard Law School in a bid to win back her ex-boyfriend. Along the way, she discovers that staying true to yourself is far more important than changing for someone else, proving that being true to yourself never goes out of style.
As a big fan of Hannah Lowther, I was excited to finally see her take to the stage as Margot, and she certainly didn’t disappoint. It’s easy to see why she has been chosen as the alternate for Amber Davies in the title role, bringing boundless energy and charisma to every scene she’s in.
Amber Davies is an inspired choice for Elle Woods. She perfectly captures the character’s warmth, determination and hidden depth, reminding audiences that Elle is far more than the stereotypical “ditsy blonde”. Her impressive vocals, impeccable comic timing and undeniable stage presence ensure she never misses a beat, making the role entirely her own.
The real stars of the show, however, are the two four-legged cast members. Sprout, as Elle’s beloved Chihuahua Bruiser Woods, and Rocco, as Paulette’s long-lost dog Rufus, steal hearts from the moment they appear. Both were impeccably behaved and had the audience collectively “oohing” and “ahhing” throughout the performance.
Karen Mavundukure’s Paulette is an undeniable crowd favourite. Her powerhouse vocals are matched by impeccable comic timing and an infectious warmth that lights up every scene she’s in, making every one of her musical numbers a highlight of the evening.
George Crawford is wonderfully charming as Emmett, bringing sincerity and heart to the role, while Jamie Chatterton is suitably smug as Warner and Annabelle Terry shines as Vivienne, whose character arc is one of the show’s most satisfying. Adam Cooper commands the stage as the intimidating Professor Callahan, while Jocasta Almgill delivers an energetic performance as fitness queen Brooke Wyndham.
Packed with catchy songs, laugh-out-loud moments and an uplifting message about believing in yourself, Legally Blonde The Musical remains every bit as fresh, funny and empowering as ever. Under the direction of Nikolai Foster, whose previous successes include Kinky Boots, this slick new production proves why the musical has remained a firm audience favourite.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or seeing it for the first time, this is a hugely entertaining night at the theatre. Legally Blonde The Musical is playing at Belfast’s Grand Opera House until Saturday 25 July, so bend and snap up your tickets while you still can.
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