REVIEW: Legally Blonde The Musical by RMTC

In early October, Champness Hall Function Room played host to its first musical in over twenty years - and not just any musical - the ultimate feel good, insanely pink 'Legally Blonde' by Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC). The high energy show we didn’t know we needed.

Triple-threat Leonie Picariello was fabulous as Elle Woods and rarely off stage. Throw in some lightning-speed costume changes (in every possible shade of pink) and all singing and dancing numbers and she gave an outstanding performance in a demanding lead role.

Unbelievably, the production marked Jess Bray’s directorial debut of her first ever musical and it was a credit to her. Alongside directing, Jess impressed as the suitably snooty Vivienne, really showing off her powerful vocals at the end of ‘Legally Blonde Remix’.

Zac Grenier played an adorable, geeky Emmett Forrest and took everyone’s breath away with his rendition of ‘Chip On My Shoulder’. Cesca Astley showed great comedic timing and stage presence as the sassy but oh-so-lovable, Paulette. Steven Cheeseman was suitably arrogant as Warner while Terry Banham gave a convincing portrayal of the pompous, manipulative Professor Callaghan.

The Delta-Nu girls and Greek chorus were bursting with energy and sass, with Annabelle Taylor (Pilar), Jenya Robinson (Serena) and Isabelle Melling really standing out. Choreographer Nikki Wilkinson made full use of the unique, tiered space available with some dazzling routines.

Fitness guru Brooke Windham was played by Maria Markland who managed to simultaneously skip and sing with ease in ‘Whipped Into Shape’ – a captivating, energetic opener to the second act.

The supporting cast were fantastic, with some taking on two or three roles. Ben Maguire and Michael Thompson received one of the biggest laughs of the show as Nikos and Carlos in their brilliant rendition of ‘Gay or European’. Another priceless routine was the Irish dance between Paulette and love interest, UPS delivery guy Kyle (Dan Killeen). The Professors’ hilarious dance moves (Chris Robinson, Dan Fielden and Dave Edwards) also deserve a special mention.

The lighting design by Jamie Jackson wouldn’t have been out of place in a West End production; neither would the fantastic band, led by talented Musical Director, Chris Addington.

One final mention goes to the dogs - Bruiser played by the very fluffy Teddy and Rufus played by Eric - both a massive hit with the audience.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this production. It’s exciting to see the Champness Hall being brought back to life and live theatre finally returning to the heart of Rochdale.