I must have had my own blonde moment when the highly acclaimed Legally Blonde film with Reese Witherspoon hit our screens in 2021, grossing 142 million dollars worldwide and shaping fashion trends.

Determined not to let the 2026 stage production pass me by, I was at the front of the queue for the upbeat romantic comedy and its timeless appeal.

The plot is based on a novel by blond student, Amanda Brown, whose experiences as a fashion-obsessed student at Stanford Law School in the early 1990’s sparked cultural clashes with her peers, making her feel like a proverbial ‘fish out of water’.

Here Harvard replaces Stanford, and Elle Woods’ blonde ambition to follow her ex-boyfriend Warner, enrolled to become a legal eagle, follows her transformation to legal ace in a journey demanding resolve, determination and self-belief.

We root for her every step of the way - from being set up by Warner’s new girlfriend Vivienne and humiliated when turning up for a supposed ‘fancy dress’ event in a bunny outfit, to sacrificing her Christmas break to study - and witnessing the love of her life propose to the judgemental Vivienne.

Throughout it all she is supported and encouraged to fulfil her potential by Emmett, whose own challenging journey to overcome stereotypes is reflected in the gutsy score, Chip On My Shoulder.

Amber Davies is excellent as Elle - displaying strong acting, dancing and vocal talent - and George Crawford is wonderful as the caring and endearing Emmett. Jamie Chatterton gives a credible performance as the class-conscious stereotype Warner, who allows his future to be mapped out by his wealthy parents.

The talented Annabelle Terry is superb as the seemingly obnoxious Vivienne. Admitting her mistake in pre-judging Elle, she becomes a supportive ally, paying tribute to her achievements.

Adam Cooper is splendid as Professor Callahan, a money grasping criminal lawyer shark who instils fear into his students. The cast’s rendition of Blood In The Water is a knockout.

I was especially bowled over by Karen Mavundukure as Elle’s friend, Paulette, who has experienced her own fair share of heartache. A vocal powerhouse with a larger than life personality and sense of humour, she smashed the numbers in Irelandand had the audience in stitches in the flirtatious Bend and Snap score with her moves to lure her man.

Jocasta Almgill is dynamic, as Brooke and Bradley Delarosbel brought the house down in the riveting court scene as Carlos, the pool boy. In the show business adage: ‘Never work with children or animals,’ adorable bulldog, Rufus, and Elle’s beyond cute chihuahua, Bruiser, stole the show.

The creative team are outstanding. Directed by Nikolai Foster, Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin provide the music and lyrics (20 wonderful songs in all) enhanced by a live band directed by Olivia Zacharia. Colin Richmond’s set design was perfect for the production, and the vibrancy of Tom Rogers’ costumes is fabulous. Connor Sullivan and Olly Smith headed lighting and sound.

There is so much more to this emotionally charged musical than meets the eye. Delving under the copious pink layers of fizzle and froth unearths serious themes challenging gender stereotypes and highlighting sexual harassment and workplace abuse.

For me this knockout, high-octane production bursting with hilarity, friendship and fun, also reenforced the importance of the age-old rule - ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

Dig something pink out of your wardrobe and get down to Newcastle Theatre Royal for an unmissable show.

Legally Blonde plays Newcastle Theatre Royal until Sunday, May 17, 2026. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

For details of the UK tour which includes Grand Theatre Leeds, New Theatre Hull and Sunderland Empire, visit Tour Information - Legally Blonde