2 minute read
Review: Legally Blonde The Musical by RMTC
Champness Hall Function Room is playing host to its first musical in over twenty years - and not just any musical - the ultimate feel good, insanely pink 'Legally Blonde'. The high energy show we didn’t know we needed. There was a tangible excitement amongst the audience before the overture even began - after a two-year interlude, Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) were about to make their triumphant return…
Triple-threat Leonie Picariello was fabulous as Elle Woods and rarely off stage. Throw in some lightning-speed costume changes (in every possible shade of pink) and all singing and dancing numbers and she gave an outstanding performance in a demanding lead role.
Unbelievably, this production marks Jess Bray’s directorial debut of her first ever musical and it’s a credit to her. Alongside directing, Jess impressed as the suitably snooty Vivienne, really showing off her powerful vocals at the end of ‘Legally Blonde Remix’.
Zac Grenier played an adorable, geeky Emmett Forrest and took everyone’s breath away with his rendition of ‘Chip On My Shoulder’. Cesca Astley showed great comedic timing and stage presence as the sassy but oh-so-lovable, Paulette.
Steven Cheeseman was suitably arrogant as Warner while Terry Banham gave a convincing portrayal of the pompous, manipulative Professor Callaghan.
The Delta-Nu girls and Greek chorus were bursting with energy and sass, with Annabelle Taylor (Pilar), Jenya Robinson (Serena) and Isabelle Melling really standing out. Choreographer Nikki Wilkinson made full use of the unique, tiered space available with some dazzling routines.
Maria Markland played fitness guru Brooke Windham and somehow managed to simultaneously skip and sing with complete ease in ‘Whipped Into Shape’ – a captivating, energetic opener to the second act.
The supporting cast were all fantastic, with some taking on two or three parts. Ben Maguire and Michael Thompson received one of the biggest laughs of the show as Nikos and Carlos in their brilliant rendition of ‘Gay or European’. Another priceless routine was the Irish dance between Paulette and love interest, UPS delivery guy Kyle (Dan Killeen). The Professors’ hilarious dance moves (Chris Robinson, Dan Fielden and Dave Edwards) also deserve a special mention.
The lighting design wouldn’t have been out of place in a West End production; neither would the fantastic band, led by talented Musical Director, Chris Addington.
One final mention goes to the dogs - Bruiser played by the very fluffy Teddy and Rufus played by Eric - who were a massive hit with the audience.
A huge congratulations to everyone involved in this production. It’s exciting to see the Champness Hall being brought back to life and live theatre finally returning to the heart of Rochdale.
There’s still some work to be done to restore this historical building but RMTC have done an incredible job and we can’t wait to see what else they have planned.
The Flying Horse Hotel and Littleborough company Ice Cream Creations add to the ‘theatre experience’ offering a full bar service (including pink prosecco of course!), snacks and quite possibly, the best ice cream around.
The production returns to Champness Hall function room on Wednesday 6th October through to Saturday 9th October but is highly likely to be a sell out so be quick snapping up those last few seats! But be warned, you’ll be printing everything on pink paper and dropping “Omigod you guys’ into your conversations, indefinitely.
Tickets - rochdalemtc.co.uk / www.whatsoccurrinrochdale.co.uk / 01706 643543
REVIEW: Rochdale Style Magazine (4th October 2021)
