Only One Week To Go

After about 456 days and what must be well over 300 shows the Legally Blonde tour comes to an end next Saturday October 6th.

Over the course of those 65 weeks I've managed to see the show about 12 times - I've lost count if the truth be known - and those would be some of the best nights out I've had in the last 17 month's.

Luckily I have tickets to see this fantastic cast 3 more times before the curtain falls for the final time, one of which is for what is sure to be an emotional night next Saturday.

I've been a big fan of Legally Blonde since I first saw Sheridan Smith at the Savoy Theatre nearly 3 years ago. Susan McFadden proved to be an equally fantastic leading lady but I had my doubts that a touring version would reach the same high standards, particularly with a relatively unknown 23 year old taking on the role of Elle Woods.

I needn't have worried. Not only was the touring version every bit as good as its west end counterpart, the relatively unknown 23 year old proved to be Faye Brookes, the best Elle Woods EVER!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank @ElleWoodsOnTour Faye Brookes for so many magical LB memories and for making the first Legally Blonde UK tour the best show on earth.

Legally Blonde Press Night Pictures

Here is a great collection of pics from the Legally Blonde press night Faye refered to in her latest tweet.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Folks its Press night @NewWimbTheatre tonight so get your tickets for the last chance to see LB! 2 weeks left everyone SNAPS! xxx 

Holiday, Birthday & A Manchester Party

Well I'm back from my holiday and still recovering from the shock of a completely dry week in Cornwall. Maybe the only one they've had this year?

As you may recall from my last post I aged another year yesterday and although I'm not sure it was aimed at me, it was at least a happy coincidence that Faye tweeted the following on my big day.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Well Happy Birthday my cherub! Hope it was a good'n! 

While I've been away Faye and the LB crew have continued wowing audiences in Manchester and they are promising to go out with a bang when they take to the Opera House stage for the final time today.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Last day in Manchester! It’s been the best 2 weeks and I've loved every second of it... Bring on Wimbledon LB! :) x 

Wimbledon has come round far too quick. I can't believe the tour ends in just 2 weeks time :(

I've found another great review written by Rebecca Cohen who saw the show in Manchester. I haven't mentioned the B word myself - Broadway - because it would cost me a fortune to keep travelling across the pond to see Faye work her magic but there is no doubt she has the talent to perform there and Rebecca clearly agrees.


Legally Blonde Review 
Manchester, Manchester Opera House - September 2012 

Stereotypically speaking, blondes are considered to be kooky, dizzy and a little vanity mad.
Website after website is filled with jokes about their confusion and lack of intelligence, and the concept of a “dumb blonde” has even been the topic of academic research.

Initially, it may seem that Elle Woods fits into that category perfectly — she’s pretty, she’s obsessed with pink, and her outfit choice is perhaps one of the most important decisions of her day.

Made famous by American actress Reese Wetherspoon, Miss Woods is of course the leading lady of Legally Blonde, the woman who proves that style doesn’t always have to come without substance. And once again, her story is brought to the stage in musical form, but this time round it’s bigger and better than ever.

 Legally Blonde The Musical has made a triumphant return to Manchester, bringing with it all the elements that worked before, and a lot more besides.

While this production undoubtedly made me smile in its previous visit to the Opera House, there were definite factors that were in need of improvement. The opening got off to a slow start, some of the musical numbers lacked “oomph”, and sometimes the cheesy Americanisation just didn’t lie right.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this show should still be taken at face value. The plot is hardly a Shakespearian tragedy, and the characters and songs can at times border on the ridiculous — and yet somehow it absolutely works.

It is difficult to believe that Faye Brookes played the protagonist throughout the last tour, but wonderful to see just how much she has developed and grown in the part. Her comedic timing is second to none, her voice at times breathtaking, and her facial expressions an absolute treat. There is no doubt that this young actress is a star, and it is almost guaranteed that she has a very fruitful West End, if not Broadway, career ahead of her. 

Also adding to the production are new cast members Gareth Gates and Jennifer Ellison, who do a fantastic job in their roles of Warner Huntington the Third and Paulette Buonufonte. Guildford graduate Iwan Lewis is equally impressive as Elle’s love interest Emmett Forrest, and Tracey Penn is particularly engaging as the snobby Vivienne Kensington.

On the whole, the ensemble deliver an array of uplifting and feel-good numbers, namely “So Much Better”, “Bend and Snap” and “There! Right There!”, thoroughly deserving the standing ovation that they received.

A fun and frivolous production that will have you bending and snapping in no time. “Ohmigod you guys”, you have like sooo totally got to go.

Manchester 2012 Legally Blonde Review

I'm actually going away on holiday for a week today and I wont therefore be able to update the blog again until I return on Saturday 22nd September; the day after my Birthday :)

However, before I depart I wanted to leave you with the latest Legally Blonde review taken from the Manchester Evening News.

I'm sure by now you're beginning to notice a patern. Everyone loves LB and everyone adores Faye Brookes.


Legally Blonde Review
Manchester, Manchester Opera House - September 2012

Feeling in need of a tonic after the post Olympic and Paralympic downer? Look no further than Elle Woods and her lively crew in Legally Blonde.

Flixton's finest, Faye Brookes, plays the pink-loving blonde law student who follows her ex boyfriend to Harvard to try and win him back only to find he's dating a serious brunette.

Brookes, a former Knutsford High School pupil and Pendleton College student, exceeds the requirements of the role. From shimmying and shakin' her booty to using her expressive face to play it for laughs, this petite powerhouse proves she is a theatrical force to be reckoned with.

And Gareth Gates has matured into a musical star, a decade after the shy stammering Bradford teenager won the nation's hearts in Pop Idol. His portrayal of Elle's snobbish ex, Warner, is confident and assured and that voice is as beautiful as ever.

Former Brookside star Jennifer Ellison plays hairdresser Paulette in a more understated fashion than others – although Paulette's fashion sense is as crazy as expected.

Rawtenstall actress Natalie Casey (Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps) grabbed the role and owned the stage when she took over from Denise Van Outen as Paulette at London's Savoy Theatre last year. Ellison's Paulette is more low key – although watchable.

Far from low-key are Elle's gal pals – with a stand-out performance from Micha Richardson.

Before taking our seats, I'd turned to my gal pal, who hadn't seen the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon or the stage version and said: "If you like dancing, cute dogs and ditzy blondes, you'll like this."

She didn't look convinced but she was laughing uproariously long before the hilarious Is He Gay or European? (guaranteed to make the theatre erupt) struck up in the second half courtroom scene: "I can't understand why I like it but I do," she said.

Best advice is not to analyse why it's so enjoyable; the plot is as thin as Elle Woods' arms and the supposedly serious subtext – to challenge the way we make assumptions based on appearance is stretching it somewhat. This musical isn't challenging but it is entertaining, exhilarating and uplifting.


Don't forget Legally Blonde is in Manchester until Saturday 22nd September so you still have time to book your tickets to see the best show on earth.

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Wish I Could See LB In Manchester

If you can get to Manchester while Legally Blonde is in town you'd be a fool to miss it.

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Unfortunately I'm going to have to wait until Wimbledon to get my LB fix but it sounds like there is a special atmosphere in Manchester which I'd love to be a part of.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Manchester you're so worth it! x

@ElleWoodsOnTour MANCHESTAAAAAaAaaaaaaa! <3 U!

@ElleWoodsOnTour Epic opening night Manchester you were by far the best as always! Its gonna get emotional! ;) xxx

Check out this great video recorded before the show hit Manchester in 2011.

Faye Brookes is SO Much Better !!

Manchester might be famous for a number of things, not least its football teams which finished 1st & 2nd in last seasons Barclays Premier League but we all know that the best thing to come out of this famous city is Faye Brookes; she is SO Much Better!

Bend & Snap

During Legally Blondes run at the York Grand Opera House it apears Faye found time to teach some stars of John Godber’s nightclub comedy Bouncers the Bend & Snap.

I would imagine they were a little slow on the uptake, making Faye show them this super sexy dance move numerous times; assuming they're not gay and european of course :)


Bend & Snap
York Press

Stars from two hit productions on show in York came together last night to share some moves before taking to the stage.

John Godber’s nightclub comedy Bouncers opened at York Theatre Royal last night, while Legally Blonde The Musical is on at The Grand Opera House. Both run until Saturday.

Before their performances, the four lead actors of Bouncers – William Ilkley, Ian Reddington, Ace Bhatti and Don Gilet – met Faye Brookes, who plays Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, to learn how to “bend and snap” for a bit of fun. The “bend and snap” is a movement featured in the show which is practised and perfected by ladies, in the hope of attracting admiring glances.

Faye Brookes Returns Home

Faye goes home this week as Legally Blonde returns to the Manchester Opera house for the second time.

The show was there last October and was so popular with the locals that they've decided to treat them to another 2 weeks of LB magic.

You can book your tickets by clicking on the link below:

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Before she made her home debut last year Dianne Bourne of the Manchester Evening News caught up with Faye to talk about life as a blonde.


Manchester Evening News
By Diane Bourne

She's already been a leading lady on London's West End stage - but nothing will quite compare to her Opera House debut in Manchester for
homecoming musical star Faye Brookes.

Faye, from Flixton, is the star of the new touring production of hit musical Legally Blonde, which premieres in Manchester next week.

And the shows are sure to be packed with her family and friends.

She beams: "I've been waiting for the Manchester dates on the tour because it will be so special to be at home. Nothing is going to beat
walking out on stage and knowing all my friends and family are in the audience.

"And it means I'll get to stay back at home with my mum and dad, and I'll get to see friends and family that I haven't seen for years."

Faye, 23, has had a dazzling start to her showbiz career after making her West End debut as Sandy in Grease, before going on to win the role
of Malibu blonde in the hit musical, based on the movie starring Reese Witherspoon.

She says: "This role is every girl's dream really because Ellis is like a real-life Barbie. People fall in love with her character."

But despite playing Malibu blonde Elle Woods in the show for over 100 performances so far over the summer, and signed up for the tour well
into next year, natural brunette Faye says she's not tempted to hit the bleach bottle and become a permanent blonde.

She laughs: "Having the blonde wig helps me get into character, and as soon as that wig comes it is a transformation, so I guess its a good
thing at the end of the day to take it off, it separates my worlds.

"I love that I can pass for a blonde, and I feel very glamorous but it starts with that and ends with that. I'm happy to return to my natural
hair colour when the show is over."

Faye's career is also running along a similar career trajectory to fellow former Knutsford High School student Danielle Hope, from Urmston,
who won the BBC's talent search to star in the West End musical of The Wizard of Oz.

Faye says: "It's strange to think we've both come from really small backgrounds to be doing big things on the stage. In future we'll
probably be competing for the same roles which would be hilarious!"

York 2012 Legally Blonde Review

One year on and Legally Blonde is once again receiving glowing reviews from the Yorhshire locals.

The below review was written by Nadia Jefferson for the York Press. I've yet to see a review that doesn't single out Faye for special praise and this is no exception.


Legally Blonde Review
York, Grand Opera House - September 2012

Legally Blonde The Musical is unashamedly candyfloss pink and fluffy, and makes you want to burst into song and attempt a high leg kick all at once.

The award-winning hit attracted a packed house on its opening night in York on Tuesday where the audience was clearly up for a good time from the outset.

For those not in the loop, this all-singing, all-dancing romcom is the musical spin-off from the Legally Blonde film featuring Reese Witherspoon and has gone on to win seven major awards including Best Musical 2011 (Olivier Awards).

It features Faye Brookes as Elle Woods, who played the perky part perfectly, the role fitting her as snugly as her sequined suits and fluffy bunny costume as she conveyed real warmth, great comic timing, vulnerability and vitality in equal measure.

The bottle blonde from Malibu is studying “fashion merchandising” but is far more interested in her boyfriend who then dumps her on the the night she’s expecting a proposal because he’s moving on to a serious life at Harvard Law School.

Distraught, she follows him, cute chihuahua in tow, and despite being shunned by the Ivy League snobs, she eventually finds her stride, takes on a murder case and gets her man - but not the one she was initally chasing.

Yorkshire singer Gareth Gates plays badboy ex Warner, instantly winning us over with his good looks and velvety smooth voice. His performance and ease around the stage shows how far he’s come since his stammering showdown with Will Young in the Pop Idol final many moons ago.

There’s also strong support from Jennifer Ellison as Paulette, the down-at-heart hairdresser Elle befriends,; from Andy Rees as the corduroy-clad Emmett who finally steals her heart; Andy Mace, as the predatory Professor Callaghan; and Tracey Penn, as Elle’s love rival Vivienne.

Lewis Griffiths won the loudest laughs as a UPS Delivery Man, striding around, finely toned muscles rippling beneath skimpy shorts before an admiring audience of mostly women with a smattering of dragged-along husbandsand boyfriends.

Some moments were slightly risque but, like the rest of the show, never crossed the bad taste border.

Director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell is to be applauded for this feel-good show, which is light, fast and frothy, with some great dance routines, notably the Whipped Into Shape number which uses furiously-fast skipping ropes.

Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin’s score is upbeat and catchy, though not all particularly memorable, with some witty lines in the lyrics.

As a newcomer to the show I’d expected it to be harmless, take-it-or-leave-it, shallow chic-lit-like fun. But it’s so much more, with an enjoyable tongue-in-cheek script, witty one-liners, laugh-out-loud moments, along with the simple message - don’t judge people by appearances, and stay true to yourself.

Grand Opera House, York

Legally Blonde today kicks off it's return trip to the Grand Opera House in York.

The show made it's first visit to the historic City in August 2011 but the lucky locals are being treated to more blonde fun and Faye magic as it returns for another 5 days.

The current stint runs from Tuesday 4th to Saturday 8th September and you can book tickets by phoning the box office: 0844 871 3024 or online by clicking on the link below.

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The below review was written by Charles Hutchinson who saw the show last year. Some of the cast may have changed but you'll see Faye was as brilliant then as she is now.


Legally Blonde Review
York, Grand Opera House - August 2011

Given the insanity elsewhere, a splash of pink, a ray of Malibu sunshine in York, might feel like a guilty pleasure, but hey, everyone needs a perk-up.

Legally Blonde The Musical is the signature signing of the summer at the Grand Opera House – indeed the highest-profile new show to arrive there in years, when it is the norm for York to have to wait its turn down the queue for musicals fresh out of the West End.

York has secured the Yorkshire premiere of the 2011 Best New Musical winner in the Olivier Awards thanks to the shared ownership of theatre and show alike: the Ambassador Theatre Group. Oh, you spoil us, Ambassador, as that daft chocolate advert says, by giving York a fortnight’s run of this sugar-coated, bubblegum-pink American musical spin on the 2001 Reese Witherspoon film: the one where jilted Malibu fashion student Elle Woods follows ex-lover Warner to Harvard law school with her Chihuahua Bruiser and stays true to herself en route to cutting the legal mustard.

You could see it in a bigger theatre, say the West End or from the back row of the Liverpool Empire as yours truly first did last month, but bigger is not always better. The dance routines may be more compact in York, but they are no less energetic, fabulous, sexy or camp, even the infamous skipping-rope centrepiece led by Hannah Grover’s exercise-video guru Brooke Wyndham, when standing trial for murder.

Legally Blonde works so well in the Grand Opera House because it is much more up close and personal, all the better for enjoying Faye Brookes’s glorious turn as the indefatigable Elle. She is pretty in pink of course, but delightfully funny too, emphasising how her character’s nous is instinctive rather than intelligent.

She bounces so well off both brassy Liz McClarnon’s Boston trailer-trash hairdresser Paulette and Elle’s Greek chorus (her inner thoughts represented by all-American girls in a smart innovation in Laurence O’Keefe, Nell Benjamin and Heather Hach’s musical version).

The first half is more of an extended aperitif, where story-telling songs dominate over dialogue, although Dave Willetts excels as cynical lawyer Callahan in Blood In The Water, but the second half is a blast from the moment Brooke whips it into shape.

Jerry Mitchell’s choreography is sharp and hot and fun, the lyrics have more bite and satirical edge too, and a burst of wonderful new characters arrive: first the hard-ball Brooke, next the scene-stealing UPS delivery stud Kyle (Lewis Griffiths) and finally Zak Nemorin’s Nikos and Andy Rees’s Carlos for the Gay or European? courtroom stand-off in the stand-out number There! Right! There!

The tunes are not the most memorable you will ever hear, but they nevertheless hit home time after time thanks to the choreography and lyrics, and every move matters.

Not only blondes are having fun here, so will everyone at this girls’ night out that boys, pink or otherwise, can enjoy too.

Happy Birthday Faye !!

Well it turns out 3rd September is a very special day, it's our favourite muscial theatre stars Birthday.

The below tweets from Faye and her devoted boyfriend Giovanni leave little room for doubt.

@ElleWoodsOnTour Ermmmm I'm 25??? x

@ElleWoodsOnTour 25 whoop whoop!!! Soooo old! x pic.twitter.com/VU36S2lq

@deVIence A huge Happy 25th Birthday to my beautiful @ElleWoodsOnTour the single most incredible young lady in my world, have a great day pampering bella

I'm delighted and relieved to see Faye appears to be back to full health as she looks positively radiant in the above picture.

Just how cute is that picture by the way?!?

Happy Birthday Faye. May this year bring with it all the success and fulfillment your heart desires; you deserve it!

Get Well Soon Faye

Well it had to happen. I go to Legally Blonde so much I suppose it was inevitable that I would eventually see a show without Faye and unfortunately that turned out to be yesterday; Friday 31st August 2012.

It's a 200 mile round trip from my home in Bristol to the New Alexandra theatre in Birmingham but it was my last chance to see Faye & co before the final show at Wimbledon on October 6th so I felt I had to make the effort.

Obviously my heart sank when they announced the cast change before the curtain went up because although the rest are the cast are great, watching Legally Blonde without Faye is like watching Legally Blonde without Elle Woods and that just doesn't work.

On the plus side I did notice a number of things that I hadn't before because I wasn't so transfixed by the leading lady but I think that only highlights just how amazing Faye is. You can't take your eyes off her when she's on stage.

Seeing someone else play Elle just made it even more clear just what a sensational all round performer Faye Brookes is. She's simply irreplaceable!

However, my disappointment is very much secondary to my concern for Faye. I spoke to Lewis Griffiths - who is fantastic as the hilarious UPS guy Kyle - after the show and he told me Faye was quite unwell, so I'm hoping she'll tweet soon to let us know how she's doing.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery Faye, LB just isn't the same without you. Miss your face! ;) x