Have A Lovely Break Faye

If you've been reading Faye's tweets you'll already know that she's off to Italy for a well earned break.

@ElleWoodsOnTour "@chrisjenko: It's the weekend. I'm going to Paris with @MrMatthewCrowe. How lovely!! I'm off to Italy with #MrGiovanniSpano x

@ElleWoodsOnTour Italia please! x

Hope you and Giovanni have a fantastic time Faye. We love you guys!!

I'm not sure at this stage how long she'll be away but if you were hoping to see her at Miltons Keynes it might be worth checking with the theatre before you book.

I'll keep you updated if I hear anything new.

Plymouth Are Loving It !!

The glowing reviews keep coming from the lucky people of Plymouth who have been to see Legally Blonde this week.

Notice how they all pick out the mesmerizing Faye Brookes for special praise.

The review below was written by Joan Phillips.


Legally Blonde - Plymouth, Theatre Royal
By Joan Phillips

OMIGOD this show has practically everything. From glee clubs, cheerleaders, fitness instructors and handbag sized Chihuahuas to a murder, Ivy League universities, law professors and even a Greek chorus. You have bought a ticket to the musical equivalent of Barbie goes to Harvard. If this makes you feel little apprehensive don’t worry, it really works. Settle down, give in and let the show take over and have a fantastically entertaining, fun and energy-fuelled evening.

The opening scene introduces us to the Malibu-world of pink fluff and feathers, slumber parties, and a troupe of cheerleaders dressed in the most kitsch outfits from Barbie’s wardrobe. The central character, Elle, is obsessed with appearances and her one aim is to marry Warren, her high school sweetheart. ButWarrenturns out to have other ideas. About to start at Harvard, he has ambitions to climb the social ladder through his new connections, leaving her heartbroken.

The story moves at a cracking pace. Elle decides that love is everything and to winWarrenback she has to follow him to Harvard. She discovers if she spends as much time studying law as she devotes to studying beauty and fashion she can give herself a complete makeover and keep up with the best of her fellow students – eventually. Along the way, she needs help from her new best friends, the unlikely combination of Paulette, a manicurist, and Emmett, her supervisor at Harvard.

It is a classic fairytale with some of the funniest lines on stage. It has all the gags about ditsy blondes and explodes our superficial expectations of these and intellectual elitism with superb wit. Elle’s father encourages her to stay in Malibu, “Why would you want to go to the East coast, all the girls have different noses.” They even manage an entertaining song about Harvard entrance exams that successfully rhymes LSAT scores, CV and the pope. One of the best songs, Gay or European, in the second act is pure pleasure. There are some of the best one liners and put downs from a blonde since Marilyn Monroe. It is a shame sometimes the music volume means you are in danger of missing a few lines and it does start off a little bit shrill but it gets better and better as the show progresses. The visual jokes are a treat and, judging by the audience reaction, much anticipated. The fit UPS guy has some thrilling packages to deliver and the costumes and choreography are great fun.

All the cast were great but particular mention has to go to Faye Brookes. You can’t take your eyes off her and it isn’t just the shocking pink outfits. Iwan Lewis plays Emmett and works his slow, awkward charm on Elle and the audience, winning us all over. Gareth Gates is a slimy Warren. Rhona McGregor has a blast standing in as Paulette. Andy Mace enjoys himself as the bad guy. The show finishes with a high-kicking pink finale, including the lawyers. Admittedly, the audience is probably 70% female but men and women roar their approval at the end.

Legally Blonde Tour Review - Plymouth

Faye and the Legally Blonde gang are already wowing audiences in Plymouth. Check out the review below by D Knowles and if you live in Devon or Cornwall make sure you see this incredible show. Oh, and if you've already seen it, GO AGAIN, you know you want to.

@ElleWoodsOnTour The sun looks glorious from my dressing room window...but Plymouth is rocking these Matinees for us! x

Legally Blonde - Plymouth, Theatre Royal
By D Knowles

Omigod more musical theatre in Plymouth and this one is a cracker.

Legally Blonde the musical arrived in town all pink fluff and cute dogs. It was announced at the start of the show that understudies would play the roles of Paulette and Margot, but such was the fervour, anticipation and excitement of the audience that this news was received without even a murmur.

The girls setting the scene in the first number were great, high energy frivolity, performing the exacting choreography to perfection. And a good job to, because the sound quality for this number was distorted and echoey and it was difficult to pick out the words. The audience was however left in no doubt as to the story line – which follows Elle (Faye Brooks) who although blonde is actually quite astute and certainly no pushover.

This is a crucial piece of information as the whole unbelievable storyline hangs on the fact that this blonde young woman will be able to change from serial shopper and wannabe bride to determined academic able to attend Harvard Law School and thus impress her man – Warner Huntingdon the Third played by non other than Gareth Gates. When I heard him sing I knew why I voted for him in 2002, his voice is effortless and has real clarity. But unfortunately he doesn’t get Elle’s vote who, during the course of her studies, meets Emmett Forest (Iwan Lewis) and discovers that he is a nicer man in almost every department.

Lewis plays Emmett with just the right amount of everything, his humour is soft but nevertheless funny, he is downtrodden but not so much that you can’t see potential and cute rather than handsome. He is perfectly cast. As is Brooks who makes the role of Elle her own and receives huge appreciation, richly deserved, from the audience as a result.

The large cast (sometimes the stage seemed very crowded) kept up the level of energy and commitment throughout and their enjoyment was infectious. There were ‘stars’ too numerous to mention individually however, Jon Reynolds as Kiki complete with his pink ugg boots was noteworthy as was Lewis Grifiths as Kyle the delivery man. And Rhona McGregor playing the role of Paulette in the absence of Jennifer Ellison was superb, her clear crisp voice delivering lines and songs superbly whist her ability to convey feelings with eye contact and body language was unsurpassed on stage.

The sets and props were imaginative and were moved on and off stage slickly and with minimum of disruption however the lighting on occasions seemed to fall short of the mark. The problems early on with the sound and the lighting glitches stopped me giving this performance a five and the lack of halves means it will only get 4 stars but it was a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable night out – well done Theatre Royal for allowing the good people of Plymouth the opportunity to see these musical blockbusters.

Plymouth Theatre Royal (24 - 28 July)

As Faye mentioned in her tweet earlier the Legally Blonde band wagon rolls into Plymouth today. Are you ready to witness 2 1/2 hours of pure musical magic?

BOOK NOW

A Faye To Remember

If there ever was a perfect couple this one............well, doesn't qualify obviously but it is a lovely picture non the less and one I'll treasure as a special memento of the day I first met Faye.

Actually stood not 6 feet away is Faye’s boyfriend Giovanni who seems like a great guy and they really do seem like a perfect couple. He's in the industry to - I think Faye said he's going to be in the forthcoming tour of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' - so they both understand the demands of being in musical theatre.

@ElleWoodsOnTour On route to Plymouth. Weekend with @deVIence (Giovanni) unconditionally and irrevocably yours angel. See you Sunday for our getaway to your 2nd home x

Anyway, I'll reverse back a little and start my review from the moment I arrived in Oxford.

This was my 7th trip to see the Legally Blonde tour but I'd never before plucked up the courage to go to the stage door and meet my idol. However, this time I was determined not to let nerves get the better of me and decided although I had tickets to the evening show I'd get to Oxford early and catch her after the matinee.

I arrived at the theatre at about 4:50pm (Saturday 21st July) and made my way round to the stage door. The cast started appearing about 20 minutes later and each time a cast member emerged from the stage door my heart starting beating a little faster. By the time Faye appeared it was nearly bursting out of my chest, which actually made it a bit tricky to speak.

She totally blows me away every time I see her perform and I was completely star struck to find myself face to face which such an incredibly talented superstar that I could hardly remember my own name let alone any of the questions I'd planned to ask.

Luckily I did somehow regain enough composure to ask for a picture and for her to sign my programme.

While I was in Cornwall last week I spent a lot of time in tea rooms avoiding the rain and knowing Faye enjoys a nice brew I purchased some special Tregothnan Cornish tea to give her at the stage door. Hope she likes it, there are so many flavours to choose from these days but I played safe and went for classic.

Faye was so lovely that I eventually began to relax and we chatted about the show, her boyfriend, their careers and even our dogs. My Mum was their with our West Highland White Terrier 'Max' and Faye and Giovanni showed me pictures of their adorable dog 'Preston'. Isn't he cute!

You really couldn't wish to meet a nicer person than Faye and I really want to thank her for being so friendly and taking the time to chat with me because I know - particularly on a Saturday - they don't get much free time. Hopefully I'll get the opportunity to say hello again as I plan on seeing the show in Cardiff and Wimbledon before the tour ends on October 6th.

The show itself was every bit as amazing as always but so much of that is down to the magic that Faye brings to the stage. Her acting is second to none, her singing flawless and her dancing superb. I've seen a lot of musicals but rarely - if ever - do you come across someone with Faye’s talent. Trust me, she's special.

The theatre was one of the hottest I've ever been in and I really have to give mad props to all the cast for performing in that heat. How Faye managed to look so stunning at the stage door just 10 minutes after leaving the stage I'll never know.

I was going to talk about my favourite parts of the show but I'm finding it pretty difficult because I love every minute and I could end up writing for the next 3 weeks.

Bottom line, if you want a fantastic night out and the opportunity to see one of the most talented musical theatre stars on the planet then go see Legally Blonde. It's an absolute joy from start to finish and I guarantee you'll come out smiling and trying to plan your next visit.

As for Faye, well the sky’s the limit. Any show would be lucky to have her and any audience privileged to see her perform.

Oxford Goes Pink !!

Firstly, how cute is the above picture of Faye and Bruiser. Love it!

Secondly, thanks again to Faye for her tweet, it really meant a lot to know she's checking out the blog and even more to know how much she likes it.

Lastly and most importantly, Faye and Co landed in Oxford on Tuesday and have already received rave reviews from the local press. If you live anywhere near Oxford you simply have to make the effort to see this fantastic show.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Oxford you are rocking the house! Amazing reception for Act One...so happy to be here! Bring on the week :)

Below is a lovely piece from the Swindon Advertiser written by Stephanie Tye. As with almost all reviews she recognised just how talented Faye is and rightly predicts a very bright future for our girl.


SWINDON ADVERTISER
STEPHANIE TYE

IF YOU have an adversion to the colour pink, cute dogs, the colour pink, super-duper positve people or the colour pink then it’s probably fairly safe to say you might not enjoy Legally Blonde as much as those around you.


But if, like me, all of the above tick your boxes - and you’re a fan of the film to boot - then you are guaranteed to come out of the New Theatre Oxford with a smile on your face.


From the opening bars of Omigod You Guys the atmosphere for the show is set. It’s fun, high energy, tongue-in-cheek and full of not only great song and dance routine, but some pretty good acting too.


This is a show I have wanted to see since it started in the West End in 2010 and it did not disappoint.


There are a couple of recognisable names in the production, most notably Gareth Gates, as Warner Huntington the Third, and Jennifer Ellison, as Paulette.
Unfortunately on Oxford’s opening night Jennifer was unable to perform due to family illness so understudy Rhona McGregor ably stepped in and wowed the audience.


Faye Brooks, as lead role Elle Woods, was fantastic. She embodied the character brought to life on the big screen by Reece Witherspoon and the audience was behind her every step of the way.


This is one of her first major roles and I think the West End will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.


Snaps have to go to the rest of the cast too - everyone shone on stage and it is difficult to pick out individuals for praise.


Opening night on Tuesday saw four cast members vying for the prize of the biggest applause - the two dogs, Rhona and Lewis Griffiths (and his incredibly tiny shorts) as UPS delivery man Kyle.


I think most of the female audience would say the shorts - and strut - win by a nose.

Legally Blonde the musical, New Theatre Oxford, until Saturday, July 21. Tickets cost from £19.50. To book, call the box office on 0844 871 7627 or log on to www.newtheatreoxford.org.uk

Thanks So Much Faye

OMG YOU GUYS! I'm actually away on holiday in wet & windy cornwall until next Thursday 19th July & I'm not able to properly update the blog until I return.

I'm actually writing this from an internet cafe in Padstow.

However, I just had to post a MASSIVE thankyou to Faye for the wonderful tweet she made about the blog last night. It really made my day & brightened up my rainy holiday.

"@GasAttacK: @ElleWoodsOnTour Your blog http://fayebrookesfans.blogspot.co.uk speechless. Andy Taylor you've made my day xxx

She's not just beautiful & talented but a truly lovely person to. We all love you Faye!

I Know What You Want

Time for a reminder of just how amazing our Faye is. I found this great recording of one of my favourite Legally Blonde tracks.

All rights are reserved to Ambassador Theatre Group, Bill Kenwright and their associated affiliates. Purely for entertainment purposes. Faye Brooks and cast in Leicester's De Montford Hall.

Thanks to pilchard96 for this excellent upload. Why not check out his website

LINK

Yorkshire Post Review

Some people say the story is a little simple or the props a little basic but it really doesn't matter because Legally Blonde is the most feel good, fun night out you'll have this year.

In fact I have to question if that much fun is even legal.

I guarantee you'll leave the theatre with a smile on your face and will probably be humming the catchy tunes in your sleep.

To be fair most reviews I've read are full of praise for the show and even those that try to pick fault end by saying how much they loved it.

One thing they all seem to agree on is that Faye Brookes brings the show to life with her stand out performances as Miss Elle Woods.

Below is a review I found from the Yorkshire Post written by Liz Coggins who saw the show at the Bradford Alhambra theatre, where it will stay until July 14th.

If I lived in Bradord I'd be at the Alhambra every day this week because Legally Blonde just gets better each time you see it and it's not every day you get to see someone as talented as Faye playing such a superb role.

If you haven't got your ticket yet what are you waiting for. Book now, you'll regret it if you don't!

Bradford Alhambra
3 – 14 July 2012

Morley Street
Bradford BD7 1AJ
01274 432000
enquiries@bradford-theatres.co.uk
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Time: 14:00, 19:30
Prices: £15.50 - £42.50


YORKSHIRE POST

The sugar-coated plot of this modern day fairytale is predictable, it has no hit tunes and the show originally flopped on Broadway, but Legally Blonde has won awards, plays to packed houses and even has its own pink attired, blonde wigged cult following. The secret of its success – it’s an evening full of pure, frothy, fun.

The plot of this slick romantic comedy, centres around Elle Woods, a bubbly, ditzy blonde who is dumped by her boyfriend, for a more “serious girlfriend” when he goes to Harvard Law School. Determined to win him back, Ellie decides to follow him and gets into Harvard by doing a cheer leading routine. After being mocked by her classmates, and with a little help along the way from new found friends Paulette, Emmett and her Chihuahua called Bruiser, she eventually becomes a court room star.

The opening of Legally Blonde is not one of the best with some rather screeching vocals that make it hard to get the gist of the story, but once the show gets moving it just gets better and better sprinting along at an energetic pace. One of the strengths of the show lies in its choreography and the skill of the performers. The fast and furious skipping rope sequence that opens Act 2 and the mock Riverdance routine are pure choreographic gold.

As Elle Woods, Faye Brooks is full of vitality with a strong singing voice and great comedy timing, while a superb characterization as Professor Callahan, the sardonic legal eagle comes from Les Dennis.

Bradford Telegraph & Argus

Below is a nice piece I found from the Bradford Telegraph & Argus newspaper. However, it unfortunately pretty much confirms the Legally Blonde tour will end at Wimbledon in October.

Sad news I know but Faye is already auditioning and when asked what for she replied "For lots of other things. It’s all happening,”.

We already know about Sleeping Beauty but as you would expect her sensational performances as Elle Woods haven't gone unnoticed and will hopefully lead to some great opportunities for our girl.

Good luck with those auditions Faye and remember, any show would be lucky to have you.


TELEGRAPH & ARGUS
By Jim Greenhalf

Back in his student days at London’s Royal College of Art, David Hockney used to say “blondes have more fun”.

Faye Brookes, who plays Elle Woods in the American musical comedy Legally Blonde, now on at the Alhambra, is being puffed as ‘the blonde bombshell’ by reviewers.

So the first question is obvious: is she indeed legally blonde, or are those long, curly tresses a syrup?

“I have a special wig that’s been made for me. I am a brunette in real life,” she said. “It’s made from real Russian hair and is very expensive.”

Although she plays an American she’s actually from Manchester and comes from a non-theatrical family background.

“I left home at 18 to go to drama school with no idea of how I would get on in this industry. My parents didn’t know anything about it. They hadn’t dared to do singing, dancing courses or anything like that.

“They were worried that I wouldn’t make money and might get hurt. It’s a big change to go from Manchester to London,” she added.

But it was a change worth making, for Faye graduated from Guildford School of Acting with a BA (hons) degree in musical theatre and won the Principal’s Choice Award. But before leaving college she made her West End debut in Grease, playing the role of Sandy.

In spite of her parents’ fears, she has landed on her feet. Acting, which can be a slippery slope for the unprepared, has been good to her so far.

Legally Blonde’s opening night at the Alhambra on Tuesday was, she said, “very exciting, with a warm welcome”. Playing alongside the likes of X Factor finalist Ray Quinn and stalwart performer Les Dennis – not to mention a couple of dogs, Bruiser and Rufus – is evidently a big pleasure for her.

It must be a thrill as well for her family, for whose support she is grateful. “They come and see me at nearly every venue in the show and I think that’s unbelievable,” she added. It will certainly be expensive, travelling from Manchester all over the country.

Before them lies the prospect of doing that until October, when the current tour of Legally Blonde comes to an end.

The end of the road without a show to go on doesn’t appear to be something Faye Brookes is contemplating. When we spoke she said she was “midway through auditions”.

For another musical?

“For lots of other things. It’s all happening,” she said.

* Legally Blonde runs until July 14. The box office number is (01274) 432000.

Faye & Bruiser

I'm not totally sure where these beautiful pictures were taken - my best guess would be York - but they're so cute I just had to share them with you guys.

Legally Blonde Cast News

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As mentioned in my previous post Faye will be joining Gareth Gates in the pantomine Sleeping Beauty this Christmas but she'll have plenty of time to get to know him before then because both he and Jennifer Ellison are set to join the Legally Blonde cast as the new Warner & Paulette when the show reaches Oxford on July 17th.

Gareth Gates shot to fame in 2002 when he was famously voted runner-up in the UK’s first hit television series of Pop Idol.

He has since gone on to sell 3.5 million records in the UK alone, releasing three albums and four UK number one singles.

More recently Gareth has starred in Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (West End), Les Miserables (25th anniversary tour and West End) and Loserville (West Yorkshire Playhouse).

Jennifer Ellison is best known for her roles in the TV soap opera Brookside and the film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera.

Her theatre credits include Chicago (West End and UK tour), Boeing Boeing (Comedy Theatre) and Calendar Girls and she has made numerous other television appearances (Hotel Babylon, The Verdict, The Brief, Hell’s Kitchen and as a judge on Dirty Dancing – Time of Your Life).

Jennifer was recently seen wowing judges and audiences alike on ITV’s hit show Dancing on Ice where she reached the semi finals.

Elle Woods to Sleeping Beauty

At the end of this year Faye will be starring opposite Gareth Gates and Toyah Willcox in the pantomime the Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. The show will run from 30th November to 20th January 2013.

As we know Faye is currently starring as Elle Woods in the UK tour of Legally Blonde but will hang up her blonde wig and pink dress to play the role of Sleeping Beauty this Christmas.

For more details and to book tickets visit www.marlowetheatre.com or call the Box Office on 01227 787787.

Faye & The LB Gang Reach Bradford

The international award-winning hit Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to the Alhambra theatre, Bradford after 3 triumphant years in the West End. Winner of 7 major awards including the coveted Best Musical 2011 (Olivier Awards) this all singing, all dancing romantic comedy is about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got!

The cast is led by the Sensational Faye Brookes who is breathtaking and worth the entrance fee alone but also includes Ray Quinn, Les Dennis and Niki Evans.

This all singing, all dancing, feel good musical comedy will be the highlight of your year and the most fashionable ticket in town! Legally Blonde The Musical is the funniest and most fabulous musical around. The best show in town, case closed.

If you haven't got your ticket yet what are you waiting for. Book now, you'll regret it if you don't!

Bradford Alhambra
3 – 14 July 2012

Morley Street
Bradford BD7 1AJ
01274 432000
enquiries@bradford-theatres.co.uk
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk

Time: 14:00, 19:30
Prices: £15.50 - £42.50

Faye Brookes, A Special Talent

So, what makes Faye Brookes special? Tough for me to put into words to be honest but she just dazzles on stage and anyone who has been lucky enough to see her perform will know exactly what I'm talking about.

Now I've seen what must be getting on for 20 muscials over the past 5 years so I don't want you to think I'm completely obsessed with Legally Blonde but I'm not ashamed to say I've now seen this fantastic show 12 times.

Most of those were at the Savoy theatre in Londons west end where I saw 3 different ladies cast in the role of Miss Elle Woods; Sheridan Smith, Susan McFadden and Carley Stenson.

All these girls played the part slightly differently. Carley just wasn't Elle for me but both Sheridan and Susan seemed to fit the role well. Sheridan is a quite sensational actress and Susan has the most beautiful voice but it wasn't until I saw the touring version of Legally Blonde that I finally met the real Elle Woods. Miss Faye Brookes.

Faye is the complete package. Not only does she look exactly how most people picture Elle - with the help of a blonde wig - but she is an incredible actress, fantastic singer and a superb dancer too.

I've seen the LB tour in Bristol, Torquay, Sheffield and Southampton and already have tickets booked for Oxford, Cardiff and Wimbledon because with Faye in the lead Legally Blonde isn't just a great show, it's an absolute must see.

Legally Blonde Southampton Reviews

I'm sure a lot of people who go to see Legally Blonde are looking forward to seeing household names like Ray Quinn (Warner) and Les Dennis (Professor Callaghan) but when they leave the theatre the person they're all talking about is Faye Brookes.

I was lucky enough to be at Southampton on Saturday for the penultimate show and I recently found a couple of nice show reviews done by local newspapers. The first written by Mischa Allen for the Portsmouth paper 'The News' an the second by Phil Hewitt of the Chichester Observer.

THE NEWS
Mischa Allen

Oh my god, Legally Blonde totally arrived at the Mayflower Theatre on Tuesday evening, and it was a night of chihauhua-toting snap-bending fun.

Adapted for the stage by Laurence O-Keefe and Nell Benjamin from the novel and film, it looks at the blonde and bright sorority girl, Elle Woods, as she follows her boyfriend to Harvard.

I will admit I was a little apprehensive. A massive fan of the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, I was worried it would be a step too far for glittering law books and dressed-up dogs.

But that’s exactly what made it so good – really good.

Infectious songs, such as Omigod You Guys and Whipped Into Shape, litter the production, and let’s not forget the imaginative Ireland, which involves the ensemble attempting a pretty good Irish jig. (It has something to do with Niki Evan’s character Paulette and her love of all things Irish).

Faye Brookes sparkles as the headstrong Elle and is a joy to watch in the role. Ray Quinn plays a suitably skin-crawling Warner, while Les Dennis is a sharp Professor Callaghan.

If you’re looking for pure, girlie, escapism I suggest you go see it. And then, like, totally go see it again.

Chichester Observer
Phil Hewitt

Sparky, witty and full of fun, Legally Blonde is a blond bombshell of a musical – high on energy and even higher on laughs.

Faye Brookes gives the loveliest of performances as Elle Woods, the blonde who offers the best possible response when her aspiring boyfriend dumps her in the belief that her pink and fluffy blondness will hold him back.

Elle gets herself into the same top law school and then trumps everyone by getting to the nub of high-profile murder case that has the rest of the legal team scratching their heads.

The musical is all about the triumph of Elle’s instinctive decency – an upbeat tale about not judging a blonde by her pink fluffiness.

And Brookes judges her performance to perfection, making Elle both likeable and interesting.

Ray Quinn similarly impresses as the self-seeking dimwit who doesn’t see her potential; and Iwan Lewis is terrific as the nice guy who does.

Les Dennis is an admirable Professor Callaghan, the fearsome don who falls horribly below the standards he seems to set.

If there’s a niggle, it’s that there aren’t too many of the songs that truly stand out; in fact, there are several you would happily see dropped.

But there’s no doubting the infectious fun which runs right through, stylishly and faultlessly delivered by a top cast at the top of their game.

I'll be posting old stories and reviews of previous shows in due course.

Legally Blonde UK Tour Official Trailer

I don't know how many times I've watched this trailer but it's not enough. If you haven't seen it what are you waiting for? Check it out!

Faye Interview - Pre Legally Blonde

Here is a lovely interview Faye did with the Manchester Evening News just prior to taking on one of the biggest roles in musical theatre.



She's already played one iconic blonde on the West End stage as Sandie in Grease and now Flixton actress Faye Brookes is to become Legally Blonde on the first ever UK tour of the hit musical – even though she’s a natural brunette.

Indeed, she has become the first brunette to win the role of Elle Woods in the musical that has become a smash hit both on Broadway and the West End.

She will, of course, be wearing a wig to take on the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the original movie, about the glamorous blonde law student who proves you should never judge a book by its cover.

Faye, 23, beams: "Apparently, I’m the first brunette to play Elle Woods, so no pressure there. I’m thrilled the casting directors could see past my brunette hair, but my mum says maybe I should just dye my hair as my first two professional stage roles have been blondes.

"I’m quite happy to be transformed into a Malibu Princess, but I won’t be dying my hair anytime soon. I think I’ll look just fine as a blonde."

She certainly does – as we’ve got the exclusive first picture of Faye transformed into Elle for her stage role, complete with her dog Bruiser, who will also be joining her in the production.

The Diary joined Faye at rehearsals on London’s West End before she and the new cast head out on the road for the first ever UK tour this year, which calls at Manchester’s Opera House in October.

Faye says: "Come October, to go home and to be at the theatre where I used to watch shows as a child, I just can’t wait.

"I was a late bloomer as far as acting goes, I didn’t start taking it seriously until I was 15."

Faye credits the encouragement of her music teacher at Knutsford High School, Neil Bennett, with taking her first steps towards a stage career, and she went on to complete a performing arts BTEC at Pendleton College in Salford.

From there, she won a place at the Guildford School of Acting and won a role in the West End production of Grease before she even graduated.

In January she auditioned for the role of Elle, and had to fly to auditions in LA to New York where she impressed the show’s bigwigs.

When she finally won the role, she went home to celebrate in Flixton with her mum and dad and two sisters and brother.

Faye laughs: "I went back home to Manchester and the first thing they did was put Legally Blonde straight on the TV to celebrate."

We're Hopelessly Devoted to Faye

I wasn't lucky enough to see Faye in Grease & footage of her time in the show is hard to come by but I did find this YouTube recording. It's quite fitting really because we're all hopelessly devoted to Faye here at the fan blog.

The Story So Far

Faye graduated from Guildford School Of Acting with a BA (hons) Degree in Musical Theatre. And was awarded the Principle’s Choice Award. She performed in shows such as ‘Anyone Can Whistle’ (Milmead) ‘Match Girls’ (Milmead) ‘Aladdin’ as Princess Jasmine (Electric) and was also a part of GSA Singers 2007-2008.

Before graduating Drama School Faye made her West End Debut in the Musical ‘Grease’ (Piccadilly) as Frenchy u/s and played the role of Sandy and is now thrilled to be playing the role of Miss Elle Woods in the first UK Tour of Legally Blonde.