Legally Blonde the Musical is a musical based on the famous film, Legally Blonde. It follows the same story as the film, with plenty of uplifting and fun songs and great dance routines. Here’s my Legally Blonde the Musical theatre review.
Overview and plot synopsis of Legally Blonde the Musical
Legally Blonde the Musical follows the story of Elle Woods. Elle Woods is a student who expects her boyfriend, Warner, to propose. Instead, he ends their relationship, stating he needs someone more ‘serious’ as he prepares to attend Harvard Law School.
Elle decides to apply to Harvard as well, using an admissions video to demonstrate her academic potential. She is accepted and relocates to Harvard. However, her hopes of a reunion with Warner are dashed when she meets his new girlfriend, Vivienne. And at first she struggles with her studies.
Elle begins to adapt to law school with support from teaching assistant Emmett. She earns a place on Professor Callahan’s legal internship team, which is assigned to defend fitness entrepreneur Brooke in a murder trial. Elle uses information from her personal interactions with Brooke to assist the defence, including Brooke’s alibi, which she refuses to reveal publicly to show loyalty to Brooke. Elle later identifies inconsistencies in witness statements, identifying the pool cleaner as gay so not a potential affair partner. And Elle uses her knowledge of haircare to realise Brooke’s stepdaughter is lying about her actions on the day of the murder – leading to the stepdaughter’s confession and Brooke being released.
After Callahan behaves inappropriately toward her, Elle resigns from the internship and prepares to leave Harvard. Emmett and Vivienne encourage her to continue, and she returns to the case. Elle completes her degree, graduates as valedictorian, and begins a relationship with Emmett.
What I liked about Legally Blonde the Musical
I enjoyed Legally Blonde the Musical. I enjoyed the film, so I was expecting to enjoy the musical. And I imagine everyone in the theatre was a fan of the film, so the audience was already on side to enjoy the show.
The songs in Legally Blonde the Musical are all original. And I mostly enjoyed the songs. The opening number ‘Oh My God You Guys’ definitely sets the tone for the whole show. The songs are fun and lively (if a bit squealy at times with the fake American accents).
There are some good dances, and the set is good as well. There’s enough set to make each scene feel different and interesting. And, as you’d expect from Elle Woods, there are plenty of bright pink sets. It’s generally just a colourful, happy and good fun musical.
The cast (and dogs)
I saw the touring production in the UK in 2026, starring Amber Davies as Elle Woods. Amber Davies first rose to fame on Love Island, and more recently as a finalist on Strictly Come Dancing. I thought her performance in this show was great – she was definitely right for the part. Her singing, and of course dancing, were top class. And her performance really elevated the show from just a nice, good musical to something a bit better.
The dogs in the show were a highlight as well – I wasn’t expecting there to be real dogs! Elle’s little Chihuahua was a real star, and seemed completely comfortable on stage (and completely focussed on doing what he was asked for treats). The bulldog owned by Elle’s salon friend seemed a bit more nervous, but the whole cast and crew did brilliantly in looking after the dogs, and ensuring they were taken off stage so they weren’t on stage too long.
What I wasn’t so sure about
In general, I did enjoy Legally Blonde the Musical. But I didn’t love it.
The majority of the musical is sung. There isn’t much dialogue. I often don’t mind that in a musical – some of my favourite musicals are entirely sung, such as Les Miserables and Miss Saigon. But I think this only works if the songs are great. And the songs in Legally Blonde the Musical were ok – but not always super great. The fake American accents got quite screechy at times. And some of the songs got a bit over-repetitive and sounded silly…like the ‘Gay or European’ song in the court case towards the end. For a musical to be almost entirely sung without much dialogue, I feel like it needs better and more powerful and memorable songs than this one had.
I left the theatre with the impression that the show had been good – but not amazing. Amber Davies as Elle Woods definitely raised the overall calibre of the performance. Without her, I think it could have felt even more flat and unmemorable.
Would I recommend going to see Legally Blonde the Musical
If you are a fan of the film Legally Blonde, then I would recommend going to see Legally Blonde the Musical. My Legally Blonde the Musical theatre review is mostly positive, and I did enjoy the show. It’s very fun, very pink, and a nice evening out. I wouldn’t put it in my top 10 musicals of all time. But for a fun night out with the girls, it hits the mark.
Hope you enjoyed my Legally Blonde the Musical theatre review! Check out my other theatre reviews for more shows in the West End, across the UK and the world.
