Pink perfection from Strictly’s Amber Davies
The Living magazines team watched Legally Blonde: The Musical at Milton Keynes Theatre, which runs until Saturday 14 March.
Legally Blonde: The Musical is a vibrant, feel-good production that captures the heart, humour, and high-energy spirit that fans of the show love. At the centre of the performance is Amber Davies, whose portrayal of Elle Woods brings a fresh charm and charisma to the role. Her performance anchors the entire show, delivering both the comedic sparkle and emotional depth that make Elle such a beloved character.
From the moment Amber – who appeared in the latest series of Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1, and has just received the best supporting performer in a musical award for playing Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby at the WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium – steps on stage, she commands attention with confidence and warmth. She perfectly embodies Elle’s bubbly personality while also showing the character’s determination and intelligence as the story unfolds. Her vocals are consistently strong, particularly during big musical numbers such as Omigod You Guys and So Much Better. These songs highlight not only her vocal range but also her ability to connect with the audience, making Elle’s journey from underestimated sorority girl to successful law student both believable and inspiring.
Other standout vocals included George Crawford (The Great Gatsby, London Coliseum; Newsies, Troubadour Wembley Park) as Emmett, and Karen Mavundukure (Stranger Things, West End, The Colour Purple, Birmingham Hippodrome & UK Tour; Dreamgirls, West End) as Paulette.
The production itself is visually lively and fast-paced. The set design cleverly adapts to the touring format while still maintaining the colourful, energetic aesthetic associated with the musical. Quick scene changes and dynamic choreography keep the show moving at an exciting pace. The ensemble deserves recognition for their enthusiasm and precision, especially during the large group numbers, which are packed with personality and humour.
One of the strengths of this production is its balance between comedy and heartfelt moments. Amber handles both aspects skillfully. She delivers the show’s many comedic lines with excellent timing, drawing frequent laughter from the audience. At the same time, she brings sincerity to the more emotional scenes, particularly when Elle begins to question herself and later proves her capability in the courtroom. These moments allow the audience to see the growth of the character, making her ultimate success even more satisfying.
The chemistry between the cast members also adds to the show’s appeal. Supporting characters bring plenty of energy and charm, helping to create a lively and engaging stage environment. Fans of TikTok star Hannah Lowther will be happy to see her on stage – she alternates in the lead role in certain performances, too. Together, the cast captures the empowering message at the heart of the musical: that self-belief, hard work, and authenticity can overcome stereotypes and expectations.
Overall, Legally Blonde is an entertaining and uplifting theatre experience. With its memorable songs, energetic choreography, and positive message, the show proves that Legally Blonde remains a crowd-pleasing musical that continues to resonate with audiences.
Book tickets at: www.atgtickets.com/shows/legally-blonde/milton-keynes-theatre.