WhatsOnStage Meets Faye Brookes

WhatsOnStage recently caught up with Faye to talk about Elle Woods, Bruiser and all things pink and Blonde.

Below is the interview in full.

The Orange text is my response to Faye's answers, which are in Pink!


Elle Woods is a great part but what attracted you to the part and the show?
I was originally very fond of the movie and loved the musical version even more, she is a complex character and so much more than just a blonde wig. I loved her honesty.

Nobody portrays that honesty better than Faye.

The songs are instantly catchy - have you got any favourites?
“So Much Better” is a favourite just because it’s her ‘single woman’ realisation that she doesn’t need a man to make her feel good about herself, it’s a real feel-good number and I think for the first time the whole audience is probably on her side and wishing her to do well!

So many great songs but 'So Much Better' has to be one of my favourites too. A great way to end Act 1 which leaves you eagally awaiting Act 2.

This is a great role to show people what you can do. But were you nervous following in the footsteps of Sheridan Smith?
Anyone who plays this role will compare themselves to the other women who have played it and automatically be compared to the film and the original show in London’s West End but I see it as, no one will play it the way I’ve done it and I’ll never play it the way they’ve done it.

There is no comparison, Faye is the best!

Legally Blonde is much more than a girl’s night out. What do you think the show has for males?
Gorgeous ladies! Great jokes! It’s for everyone and the story sends out a great positive message, male or female, they’ll love it.

I can vouch for that.

Ths show surprised a lot of people as it is much more than a movie retread. Why do you think audiences have responded so well to it, so quickly?
It’s modern, with a whole new sound, people have never heard this music before, we’re not compared to We Will Rock You or Mamma Mia! With its brilliant, positive storyline and continuous jokes that are very self-deprecating, no wonder people fall in love with it. You have to learn how to laugh at yourself.

Anyone who sees this show will love it. Those that have preconceptions and don't give it a chance are missing out.

How many dogs are there in the production and can you tell us about how you bonded with them?
We had doggy sleepovers during rehearsal. Working with the dogs is a ball! I’m such a dog person by nature... I’m hoping to get one for Christmas but I doubt it’ll be as well behaved as our pups, there are two Jack Russells and two bulldogs that travel with us throughout the tour.

I'm sure the dogs will be bragging to their friends that they got to work with Faye Brookes.

How does the show differ from the film, apart from the fact it’s a musical?
There’s so much more to the characters, including Emmett who you don’t really learn much about in the film, whereas in the Musical he is a leading man! Everyone has a role to play to tell this story and with live theatre there’s always the element of surprise!

The musical is 'So Much Better' than the film.

How does it feel performing in Manchester soon, considering you are from Flixton?
Very surreal. I was the one who grew up wanting to be these leading ladies that I saw in the shows at The Opera and The Palace as a child. Now I’ll be that leading lady on the stage. I hope I get to inspire younger girls that come to see the show!

I don't know about Manchester, Broadway would be lucky to have Faye.

Touring must be fun – but also tiring – what are the pluses and minuses?
Being away from home is tough but there’s no time to miss anyone. It keeps you busy and on your toes. We have to adapt the show to the theatre wherever we go. That’s also difficult but we get to see and discover amazing cities and bring this show to audiences all over the UK!

I've seen it in 8 cities so far & it's always AMAZING!

For those not in the know – what is the 'bend and snap' and how difficult/easy is it to master?
Anyone can do it because everyone has the tools. To get that special guy’s attention but I’m afraid this move works for girls, it’s particularly for the ladies. It shows off all your assets in a good way. Give it a go! What’ve you got to lose?

It's 99.99% effective on straight men!

Lastly, any plans following the tour?
No dream is too big! Who knows what’s in store?

As I've said before, any show would be lucky to have Faye. She's a superstar & the most talented young performer I've had the good fortune to come across.

Birmingham 2012 Legally Blonde Review

Well we didn't have to wait long for the first Birmingham 2012 Legally Blonde review to appear.

Clearly the locals were desperate to go back and see the show again 10 month's on from its previous visit last October. Hardly surprising, I'm itching for my Legally Blonde fix and I only saw the show last week :)

The below review was posted on the WOS website by Kieran Johnson. As usual Faye is singled out for sepcial praise.


Legally Blonde Review
Birmingham - August 2012

On the final leg of its lengthy national tour, Legally Blonde is still as refreshing and upbeat as ever with great new additions to the cast it give the show an extra bump of energy, making the show ‘so much better’.

For those who haven’t seen the show (or movie), the plot follows Elle Woods chase of her ex-boyfriend Warner to Harvard Law School in the attempt to win him back. Naturally, she grabs herself a place in the University with ease. Of course, things don’t go as she planned and upon arrival she discovers Warner has a new lover, Vivienne, sparking a rivalry between the two girls. To begin with, Elle struggles, but, after meeting Emmett, beings to find herself and becomes a successful law student and wins her first trial, defending exercise queen Brooke Wyndham. The plot is fun and isn’t to be taken too seriously but with morals at the heart of the story, everyone could learn a thing or two from Legally Blonde.

This time round, Gareth Gates stars as Warner Huntington the Third, the object of Elle’s affection, a role he takes to perfectly. Perhaps not entirely well known for his acting abilities, Gates shines as a perfect Warner with his strong vocals and surprisingly believable portrayal. A future in musical theatre could be on the horizon for Gareth.

No stranger to musical theatre, Jennifer Ellison is a great Paulette. Taking on Ireland, she proves why she is on the stage, a powerful rendition. One minor fault would be her diction; sometimes it was difficult to understand the lyrics in their entirety.

The real star of the show, however, is Faye Brookes as Elle Woods. Her powerhouse vocals are perfectly suited for the role, coupled with her fine comedic acting and immense stage presence; one of the finest young actresses today’s industry. It was an absolute delight and pleasure to see such a talented actress in such a demanding role play out perfectly.

As she takes us through act one with songs ‘What You Want, ‘Positive’ and act closer ‘So Much Better’, her full range of vocals are displayed with ease and ability. Her solo 'Legally Blonde' towards the end of act two really allows her to shine as the undeniable star of the show.

It’s great to see so many of the supporting roles filled with such talents. Sinead Long, Micha Richardson and Sophie Isaacs as Serena, Pilar and Margot are the ideal support for Elle during her ‘Greek chorus’ dream sequences, and of course, provide and energetic opening with ‘Omigod You Guys’.

Tracey Penn, as Vivienne, displays a terrific set of vocals as well as a patronising tone of acting that is perfect for the role. Hannah Grover displays a multitude of talents during her role of Brooke Wyndham, from skipping, dancing and singing during 'Whipped Into Shape' to her heartfelt confessions of liposuction, her acting and singing are top notch.

Lori Baker, Zak Nemorin, Graham Lappin and Gemma Baird all make up a great supporting cast.

After less than a year since it was last in Birmingham, Legally Blonde provides the New Alexandra Theatre with a full house, and what a diverse crowd it is. A show that truly is for everyone.

Legally Blonde the Musical plays at the New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham through Saturday September 1.

Bye Bye Cardiff, Hello Birmingham

After a fantastic 2 weeks in Cardiff, Faye and the rest of the Legally Blonde gang make a return trip to Birmingham.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Had an awesome 2 weeks #CardiffMilleniumCentre! Off back to my roots to see my brother. Have a good one LB lot x pic.twitter.com/x58jrRYY

The current stint at the New Alexandra Theatre runs from Tuesday 28th August to Saturday 1st September and you can book tickets by clicking on the link below.

BOOK NOW

In the meantime enjoy this review written by Tom Roberts who saw the show during it's first trip to Birmingham last October.

Legally Blonde Review
Birmingham - October 2011

Thanks to the stratospheric success of Glee it would be easy to think that Legally Blonde is another one in the line of teeth dazzling, pom pom waving, teen angst musicals that have sprung up in its sickly sweet wake.

Indeed, it would have been hard to cram more pink into the theatre foyer. Just like the cutesy dogs it features, however, this show has pedigree and hot on the heels of its West End acclaim, it seems likely to repeat its pulling power on tour.

Legally Blonde began life as a 2001 movie, starring Reese Witherspoon as Elle - the all American girl who seeks to win back her boyfriend’s affections by becoming a lawyer at the esteemed University of Harvard - thus proving she has brains as well as well as veneered teeth and great legs.

The story and characters were ripe for a musical version and, unsurprisingly, the stage version premiered on Broadway in 2007.

Plot wise, it all fairly simple. Nice, home town girl falls in love with dreamboat sweetheart. He dumps her. She vows to win him back by ‘bettering herself’ at Amerca’s top law school. Cue an assortment of characters - the reliable friend, the tough talking Senior Professor, the bitchy classmates, the lesbian (random, I know, but represented nethertheless ) and a parcel delivery man with an impressive package. Read into that what you will.

There are, of course, twists and turns in the story as Elle discovers more about who she really is and discovers new horizons on her judicial journey.

A generally impressive cast reveals some stand out performances. Faye Brookes is faultless as the eponymous blonde, Elle Woods, physically perfect and genuinely engaging throughout. Iwan Lewis shines as Elle’s secret admirer, Emmett Forest and Dave Willetts gives an an air of measured authority amidst his excitable students as Professor Callahan. The biggest laugh of the evening ‘sprung’ from Lewis Griffiths as Kyle - a UPS delivery man in no doubt of his sexuality.

A musical is only as good as its songs and there are plenty to choose from here. Most are appropriately high energy and sugar coated company numbers such as What You Want and Whipped Into Shape . Others , like Blood in The Water take on a darker tone. Gay or European? is a question many of us have asked and emerges here as if from nowhere. Funny and gloriously non pc, nonetheless.

Legally Blonde is what it says on the tin. A feel good , roller coaster of a show packed full of beautiful people, cute dogs and more pink than you can shake a stick at. Catch it while you can.

All that & She Can Cook !!

@ElleWoodsOnTour Home on Bank Holiday Monday...Cooking in the kitchen. Heaven! x

@ElleWoodsOnTour Boom! pic.twitter.com/QZx2Tmnn

Looks delicious Faye :)

Another Blonde Adventure

You've probably noticed that the above picture is a slightly small, well there is a good reason for that. Unfortunately I committed the cardinal sin and blinked at the wrong time, meaning I look a little bit like a half asleep drunken zombie; which definitely isn't a pretty sight. Faye as always looks beautiful and you can see a larger picture of her further down the post.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Faye for being so lovely and taking the time to chat with me after the show. It really topped off the perfect day.

You'll all be pleased to know that she's fully recovered from her trip to Cardiff's A&E earlier this week and has actually been to London auditioning for an exciting role in a great show that opens next March. I wont give too much away because it's very early days and a highly sort after part but if she doesn't get it then they haven't chosen the best person, simple as that. Someone with Faye's talent wont be short of offers so it would be their loss and another shows gain.

Anyway I'm jumping ahead.

It had been about 5 weeks since the last time I saw Legally Blonde and met Faye for the first time in Oxford. In my book that's about 4 1/2 weeks too long so I couldn't wait to leave for my first ever visit to the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff. It's about 60 miles from my home near Bristol but because my trip would coincide with the Thursday rush hour I knew it could take close to 2 hours so I left in plenty of time.

The Donald Gordon Theatre is large and state of the art, not like any other I've ever been to. I don't know whether Faye was referring to the theatre when she tweeted last week but I could fully understand if she was.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Cardiff is pretty awesome. Dare I say the best place I've done on this LB Tour.....

The show itself was every bit as wonderful as always. It was nice to see Jennifer Ellison for the first time who I thought did a great job as Paulette and Gareth Gates has really settled in well and makes an excellent Warner. However, I'm going to talk about the star of the show, Miss Faye Brookes.

Here are just a few of my favourite scenes featuring Faye:

1) The moment she steps through the curtain during 'Omigod You Guys' and says "It's almost there but..." never fails to give me goosies.

2) Her acting and the all the "MMM's and Yeah's" during 'Serious' are just hilarious.

3) When Elle is having to be held back from joining in with the Spring Fling Beer Bash Extreme!

4) Her dancing during the 'What You Want' Harvard presentation and her "Ok" to the pilot and "That's me" as she marches across the stage.

5) Her sheep imitation "Blaaaa" during 'Blood in the Water'.

6) 'Positive' "What if she's a violent nut, she might stab me in the gut, with a stick that's up her butt, whose got a plan B..." and shaking junk!

7) At the 'Fancy Dress Party', Warner "Those Parties senior year, felt like we ruled the world", Elle "You funnelled all that beer, I held your head when you hurled".

8) After the 'Fancy Dress Party' with Emmett "So go on here's my head, just hit it with a rock".

9) Her response to Emmett Red Bull question "It gives me energy".

10) During 'Chip on my Shoulder' when Warner asks if she's seen Vivienne "Yeah.....I mean no" and then Emmett implies her IQ goes down to 40 maybe less, delayed response "Uh".

11) Her response aimed at Warner and Vivienne when she's told she's being considered for the internship "Eeeeeee".

12) 'So Much Better' "It's like making love with you all night, no wait it feels so much better, so much better, Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh much better...."

13) Her meeting with Brooke Wyndham. "Who is a girl with loyal friends & true......" and of course "I double Delta Nu sister swear".

14) When Callahan asks for Brookes alibi "I'm afraid I can't tell you", "Because I double Delta Nu sister swore not to", "No it's a BIG sorority thing".

15) Elle doesn't think they need Brookes alibi because "Happy people just don't kill"

16) "You butt head" Elle’s comment to Emmett after justifying her reasons for keeping Brookes alibi secret.

17) Her response to Emmett’s claim that he looks like Warner in 'Take it Like a Man' "Yeeeaaah"

18) 'Bend and Snap' it's 99.99% effective on straight men, need I say more.

19) 'There! Right There!' I can't pinpoint one moment in this song; Faye is just incredible from start to finish. Ridiculously funny!

20) 'Legally Blonde' and 'Find My Way' showcase Faye’s amazing voice and her acting is so good I'm shedding a tear come the end. "If you could give me one second before we all go........"

If you've seen the show I'm sure many of these brought a smile to your face and if you haven't then book now before it's too late.

This really is just a few of many magic moments because Faye shines from the moment she first appears until the curtain goes down and the show is packed with far too many highlights to list here.

As I've mentioned before I've seen the show in London with 3 other Elle’s - Sheridan Smith, Susan McFadden and Carley Stenson - but nobody brings the part to life like Faye Brookes. She really is special.

When Elle Met Elle

It would seem Faye met up with former West End Elle Woods, Carley Stenson today.

@ElleWoodsOnTour "@carleystenson:Such a lovely surprise to see @ElleWoodsOnTour Faye today!Such a gorgeous girl!doing @LBtheMusical proud"same here girly!" x

As you know I'm a bit of a Legally Blonde fanatic and I saw Carley Stenson, Susan McFadden and Sheridan Smith in the role of our favourite Delta Nu sweetheart during the shows stint at the Savoy Theatre London.

They're all great and each brought something different to the role but noone compares to Faye Brookes who is sheer perfection as little Miss Woods, Elle.

World Exclusive !!

How to clean your teeth by Faye Brookes :)

@ElleWoodsOnTour Teeth brushed night x pic.twitter.com/5gqaKOBA

Oh, and we're trying to get confirmation as rumours circulate that Elle Woods has given up Red Bull and moved on to a new energy drink at Starbucks.

@ElleWoodsOnTour "@RustyMowery: Starbucks u are so good to me" Agreed Mister...hope you're well? Miss your face! ;) x

Legally Blonde Review - Cardiff

I'm not totally sure whether Faye's injury is keeping her out of the show, hopefully she'll tweet and let us know how she's doing soon. I was planning on seeing LB myself this week but I probably wont bother if Faye is missing because Legally Blonde doesn't really work without Elle Woods and there is only one Elle Woods for me.

As soon as I hear anything I'll let you know. In the meantime enjoy this review written by Tom Bevan who saw the show in Cardiff last Wednesday.


Legally Blonde Review
Wales Millenium Centre, Cardiff
By Tom Bevan

Exam results are out, the Olympic bubble has burst and the heavens have re-opened; the next couple of weeks could heavily disappoint. Thank goodness then for the programmers at the Millenium Centre who have booked the most upbeat show on the circuit at a time when we could all do with an extra jolt of sunshine.

Legally Blonde: The Musical shot its way to the Olivier Award for Best New Musical in 2011 and is now touring the UK for the first time with the star-led cast of Gareth Gates, Faye Brooks and Jennifer Ellison (who was replaced by an understudy last night). Adapted from the hit 2001 film, the show is bright, tight and camper than camp with its slick choreography, fantastic melodies and reassuringly happy ending.

Having followed driven boyfriend Warner, Gareth Gates, to Harvard and danced her way into its prestigious Law School, blonde stereotype Elle Woods finds herself in a world without cheerleaders or costume parties and looks lost in pink. But with help from heartbroken hairdresser Paulette, played assuredly by said understudy Rhona McGregor, and encouraged by friendly fellow student Emmet, she ends up in a highly sought after internship.

Played with heart and humour by Faye Brookes, Elle defies her own and others’ doubts to excel in the court room and choose the right man, proving that appearances really aren’t everything. Brookes is a name to look out for and with Bill Kenwright behind her, she’ll go far.

From punchy opener Omigod You Guys right through to finale Find My Way, the show is fast paced and full of big musical numbers that, although sometimes felt over-done, defied damp spirits with contagious joy. Whilst Gareth Gates built on his recent stage success such as his role as Marius in Les Miserables, it was Welshman Iwan Lewis who charmed the WMC crowd the most as the geek-come-hero Emett. A self reflection on how he got to Harvard, Chip on My Shoulder gave Lewis a chance to own the limelight in his home country’s finest venue and he did so with aplomb.

Escapism at its most sparkly, the show packed in a rainbow of costumes and several highly complex dance routines that left you slightly dazed. Especially impressive was the use of skipping ropes in an onstage fitness video, whilst two dogs gave the performance a cute and cuddly dimension. Cue “aahhss” a plenty.

With large helpings of glitter, gossip and topless male models, not to mention programme notes from Miranda Hart, this has to be the girly night out of the year. A musical chick-flick well worth a watch even if, you too, are male.


There is still plenty of time to catch this superb show in Cardiff because it runs until next Saturday 25th August. Don't miss out, book now!

BOOK NOW

Get Well Soon Faye

Faye tweeted tonight that she's had an accident and spent the day at the A&E in Cardiff.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Day @ Cardiff Heath A&E...I'm ok but lots of drugs now for me now to sleep it off! Night everyone x

Hopefully the drugs have kicked in now and she gets a good nights sleep.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Faye.

Cardiff Goes Blonde !!

Legally Blonde started it's 2 weeks stint at Cardiff's 'Wales Millenium Centre' on Tuesday 14th August so if you want to get out the rain and enjoy 2 1/2 hours of pure unadulterated fun you know where to go.

Faye, Bruiser & co evaded border patrol and are having a great time in the welsh capital so why not book now and join them.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Entering Cardiff @chrisjenko "do you have your passport?"

@ElleWoodsOnTour Cardiff is pretty awesome. Dare I say the best place I've done on this LB Tour.....

I'm hoping to travel over from Bristol and see this amazing show for the 8th time next week.


Tues 14-Sat 25 Aug

In true Hollywood make-believe style, Legally Blonde The Musical is coming to audiences across the country after three very pink and triumphant years on the West End.

UCLA fashion merchandising student Elle Woods is far more interested in her beau and ditsy lifestyle than any Harvard law textbook, until of course Warner (the beau) dumps her for a more ‘serious’ lifestyle and girlfriend – played by Gareth Gates. Elle, who can handle anything, follows him there to win him back, however, she gets more than she expects. Armed with her fashion knowledge she lands a murder case and cracks it. With the help of new friends Paulette and Emmett, she learns that it is far better to be smart – especially as it lands her the man, if not the one she started out for. This musical is all about knowing who you are and showing what you’ve got.

An all singing, all dancing romantic comedy, Legally Blonde earned seven Tony Award nominations (in its first year) and won the 2011 Olivier Award for Best Musical. Accompanied by a Greek chorus no less, it is set to entertain. Of the 18 songs, Elle – played by the sensational Faye Brookes – sings 16 of them, helped along by 19 costume changes for the discerning fashion diva. It could very well close the case, as the most fabulous in town.

Tickets: £17-£42.50. Info: 029 2063 6464

Last Chance Milton Keynes

Legally Blonde really is a must see show. It might get overlooked by certain theatregoers who have preconceptions about the plot but I can assure you that those doubts are unfounded and I'd challenge you to find any review online that says otherwise.

That said, however many future LB tours there may be - and I hope there are many - it will lose some of its sparkle once the real Elle Woods - Faye Brookes - packs up her law books and pink dress for the final time on October 6th. Anyone who has the chance to see this brilliant show before then should not let the opportunity slip by.

I've copied the below article from the Biggleswade Today website.


Biggleswade Today

YOU can hear a pin drop in the auditoriums as the theatres close their doors for the summer.

But before the curtain falls at Milton Keynes Theatre there is a chance to catch the tail end of a popular story’s theatrical run.

Keep up with the legal jargon while reaching the glorious heights of fashion with Legally Blonde The Musical.

Star of the show, Elle Woods – played by Faye Brookes – is desperate to follow her former boyfriend, Warner, to Harvard Law School after he dumps her.

But while she tries to win him back she quickly turns into a budding lawyer herself and makes some fabulous friends.

Gareth Gates, who shot to fame on Pop Idol in 2002, will play Warner. Elle’s friend, Paulette, is portrayed by Jennifer Ellison of Brookside and the film adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera.

Performances are tonight (Friday) at 7.30pm and tomorrow at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tickets cost from £20.50 to £60.50. They are available from the theatre’s box office on 08448 717652. You can also book online at:

ATG TICKETS

LB Review - Edinburgh Playhouse

Legally Blonde is currently working its magic at the Milton Keynes theatre but all the reviews I've found online were by people who saw the show while Faye was away it Italy.

Now the real Elle Woods is back I thought I'd take this opportunity to post a review written by Gordon Clayton after he saw the show at the Edinburgh Playhouse last September. Obviously some of the cast have changed but a certain Faye Brookes was still receiving standing ovations for her incredible performances as our favourite Malibu sweetheart.


Legally Blonde Review - Edinburgh Playhouse
By Gordon Clayton

In the pink with Legally Blonde! As the memories of the Edinburgh Festival fade, the good, bad and the ugly of productions and culture give way to a show whose roots are clearly rooted in the U.S.A..This musical is the stage version of a ‘chick flick’ which was well received by a predominantly female audience on opening night at the Edinburgh Playhouse.

Faye Brooks is perfectly cast as the blonde heroine Elle Woods with her uncanny resemblance to the same character in the original film starring Reece Witherspoon. Unlike her celluloid counterpart, Faye is required to sing the majority of numbers in the show while carrying out some intricate and energetic moves. Throw in some acting and dog handling and it results in a performance that is very much the leading lady.

Liz McClarnon, formerly of Atomic Kitten shows her musical theatre credentials playing the quirky Paulette Buonufonté while one of the best known names from the West End Dave Willetts plays Professor Callahan.

The numbers he gets are not Les Mis. quality and while an important part in the story, his character is in too few scenes for such a big name. Iwan Lewis as Emmet is a good foil for ‘Elle’ and looks the part in everything he does with special mention for ‘Take it like a Man’.

Legally Blonde is a musical with music and lyrics by Laurence O'Keefe and Nell Benjamin and book by Heather Hach and tells the story of sorority president, Elle Woods, whose main thoughts as the show opens are about her love life and clothes particularly the dream dress for her engagement party.

Unfortunately the object of her affections (Warner Huntingdon 111 played by Neil Toon) decides to break up with her as he needs someone more’ serious’. Elle decides to win him back by embarking on a law career that involves following him to Harvard where she enrols in Business School. With her pink outfits and blonde hair and some light-weight opinions, she soon is the object of ridicule by her classmates (including Warner’s new girlfriend Vivienne played by Charlotte Harwood) all vying for an internship with Professor Callahan’s law firm.

The sub-plot involving a hair salon gives the cast an opportunity for some amusing scenes where Kyle (Lewis Griffiths) is to the fore much to the delight of the ladies. The ‘Irish’ routine is worth looking out for! Elle shows her worth as a legal eagle in defending exercise guru ‘Brooke’ played by Hannah Grover who makes a big impression in ‘Whipped into Shape'.

Eavesdropping on the way out, I heard someone saying the cast were as good as the London show and only some change in the staging was the only difference. The staging while simple was enhanced by excellent lighting and a fantastic prison backcloth. Add in a proper orchestra and you had the full West End experience. Although likened to ‘Hairspray’ the songs are not as catchy but the lyrics carry the story and at least one number was being sung by a member of the audience going down Leith Walk.

If There Ever Was A Perfect Couple . . . . .

We love you guys !!

@ElleWoodsOnTour Just knowing that #GiovanniSpano is back in the country has put a smile on my face. Come see me please @deVIence missed your face!

And remeber Faye, it's a leap year :)

If you could give me one second before we all go . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Beautiful Brunette to Blonde Bombshell

As mentioned in an earlier post it's sometimes hard to believe that the gorgeous brunette that emerges after the show is the same blonde bombshell that sparkled on stage just 10 minutes earlier.

I'm sure a number of people that wait at the stage door to see the stars of the show go home a little disappointed that Elle never came out.

Of course she did, they just didn't notice.

If you've ever wondered how the tranformation takes place, wonder no more. Here is a great video showing exactly how you get from Manchester beauty Faye Brookes to Malibu sweetheart Elle Woods.

The Real Elle Woods is Back !

Back in the game, yes
Back to the trial, yes
But I'm going back in my style
Back In Her Style

Sorry for all the confusion guys but it's now time to break out the party poppers Milton Keynes and get ready to book your Legally Blonde tickets because I can categorically confirm the the real Elle Woods, Miss Faye Brookes is back. Here is her latest tweet.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Nice to be back! Milton Keynes what a lovely welcome...can't wait for these next 2 weeks! Loving LB here ;) x

I really hope Faye and Giovanni had a lovely break in Italy but the show isn't the same without her so I know all Legally Blonders are glad to see her back.

If you live in the Milton Keynes area don't miss this opportunity to see a truly remarkable show and a simply spellbinding performance by Faye Brookes.

BOOK NOW

Faye Might Still Be Away

If you've seen Faye in the show I'm sure you'll all agree she looks stunning as a blonde. However, you can hardly recognise her as the same person when she emerges from the stage door looking even more beautiful as a brunette.

Now it would appear that Judy Riley - who wrote the review I posted yesterday suggesting Faye was back playing Elle - might have just looked at her programme and assumed it was our girl under the wig and make up.

A review I found today written by Stephanie Steward would seem to indicate Faye is still away enjoying a well earned break in Italy with her very own Emmett, Giovanni.

Legally Blonde The Musical sang and danced its way into Milton Keynes Theatre last night with a barrage of pink fluff, pet pooches and stiletto heels.

The lead role of Elle Woods was played by understudy Amy Ross and the actress fitted perfectly into the part, with bleached blonde hair and a smiley, bubbly, butter-wouldn’t-melt persona.

Of course Legally Blonde is still a great show - not quite as great without Faye Brookes but still pretty great - so if you live in the Milton Keynes area why not check it out.

As soon as the real little Miss Woods, Elle - Miss Faye Brookes - returns I'll let you know.

Omigod You Guys

Legally Blonde kicked off it's 2 week stay in Milton Keynes last night and the first review I've found online would suggest Faye might be back from her break in Italy. Here is the final paragraph of the glowing review from Judy Riley:

There are some hugely entertaining performances, not least from Faye Brookes and Iwan Lewis as Emmett and when the Awards for Best Dog in a Stage Musical is handed out, if Bruiser, the Legally Blonde Chihuahua doesn’t win for his performance, they should get the top US defence lawyer Elle Woods onto the case

As soon as I get confirmation I'll let you know. In the meantime enjoy this audio recorded in Birmingham last October and uploaded to You Tube by Jakeyboy5460.