Principal casting has been has been confirmed for the hotly anticipated London production of Legally Blonde. Comedy actress Sheridan Smith will take the lead as Elle Woods, the role made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 movie the show is based on. Sheridan is best known for her roles in TV shows such as Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, The Royle Family, Grownups and Love Soup, her extensive theatre credits include musical and Shakespearean roles and she was nominated for an Olivier Award in 2007 for playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors.

Joining Sheridan is former Blue singer Duncan James, who will play Warner. Since Blue, Duncan has mainly been seen presenting, although he has also had some small TV acting roles, and made his West End debut in 2007 as Billy Flynn in Chicago. Performances of Legally Blonde will begin at the Savoy Theatre on 5 December and breaks are available here.

Meanwhile, Hairspray have announced their new principal casting. As hinted by West End Theatre Breaks, comedian Brian Conley will be taking over the role of Edna from Michael Ball. Brian said, “I’ve done a lot in my career, but wearing a dress and heels every night and being married to Nigel Planer weren’t things I was expecting to be doing all at the same time, and in front of thousands of people!”

Ben James Ellis and Leanne Jones will leave the show with Michael Ball, and the roles of Link and Tracy will be taken over by Wicked’s Liam Tamne and West End newcomer Chloe Hart. The new cast will join the show on Monday 27 July. Micahel Ball will be appearing alongside Ben and Leanne until July 25 and we have fantastic rates available in May. Breaks are available here.