REVIEW: Legally Blonde the Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal
A chihuahua, a courtroom and a whole lot of pink-powered heart: Legally Blonde is in session on Tyneside
It doesn’t take long for Legally Blonde the Musical to explode into a wash of pink, pop and pure optimism on stage at the Theatre Royal. And from that moment, this hit touring production barely lets up.
Landing at the top of Grey Street with a perfectly-pedicured spring in its step (and a Chihuahua in its handbag), this is a show that knows exactly what it is: big-hearted, high-gloss entertainment with just enough bite to keep it from being all sugar, no substance.
At the centre is Amber Davies as Elle Woods – a role forever linked to Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film, but one Davies makes her own with confidence and considerable charm.
It was almost a decade ago that she arrived on TV screens via a stint on ITV reality show, Love Island, but that kind of platform only gets you so far. What keeps you there is graft and talent – and Davies has it in spades having taken roles in lots of big hitters including Back to the Future: The Musical, Pretty Woman and The Great Gatsby.
She also picked up runner-up honours in the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Vocally strong, physically assured and with a clear understanding of Elle’s journey from underestimated sorority princess to courtroom closer, she proves that star power and stagecraft are not mutually exclusive.
She’s well supported across the board, not least by Karen Mavundukure’s scene-stealing Paulette, whose powerhouse vocals and comic timing bring some of the night’s biggest laughs. And then there are the four-legged cast members – a Chihuahua and a bulldog – who trigger an audible ripple of “oh my God” delight every time they appear. Quite right too.
A special nod as well to Hannah Lowther, whose presence clearly extends beyond the stage. Sitting alongside a teenager who’d never seen the film but absolutely knew who Hannah was tells its own story – and she more than matches that offstage profile with energy, precision and real charisma in performance.
Visually, the production keeps things moving with a touring-friendly set that prioritises pace over spectacle. Scene changes are swift and functional, allowing the story to hop from sorority house to Harvard lecture hall without getting bogged down.
The production zips along at pace, powered by catchy numbers, tight choreography and a second act that leans further into its comic instincts. It’s slick without feeling sterile, and while it never pretends to be weighty theatre, it doesn’t need to be. Its job is to send audiences out smiling – mission very much accomplished.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or, like my plus-one, coming to it fresh, this is a show that makes a compelling case for itself. You might come for the pink… but you’ll stay for the punchlines, the performances – and the seriously good night out.
Legally Blonde the Musical is at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday (May 16). Visit the website for tickets.