When it opened in New York in September 2007, the musical adaptation of Legally Blonde was an instant hit. The show is, of course, based on the hit 2001 movie that starred Reese Witherspoon as pampered rich girl Elle Woods. The story of Elle’s quest to be taken seriously while taking law at Harvard immediately caught on with America’s teenagers when it took to the stage, and the show’s lead actress Laura Bell Bundy was nominated for a Tony award. When Bundy left the show in July 2008, and Legally Blonde’s immense popularity justified an MTV talent search to find a replacement. The winner, Bailey Hanks, had only been in the role for three months when the show fell foul of the recession, posting its notices only two weeks before its closure in October.

Prior to its closure, there had been talk of a London transfer. However, plans were shelved when the Broadway show closed, despite its still being one of America’s most popular shows. Now, the UK success of Broadway’s Spring Awakening and the popularity of a newly launched US touring production of Legally Blonde have given the green light to a West End production, and performances will now begin at the Savoy Theatre on 5 December 2009. Legally Blonde stars Sheridan Smith as Elle alongside Alex Gaumond and former Blue singer Duncan James.

Latecomers may not be admitted to a performance, and if admitted, may not be seated in the seats that have been originally allocated

• Buy the DVD
• Buy the Original Broadway Cast Recording
• Sheridan Smith's official fansite

Sheridan Smith to Play Bridget Jones?

The musical adaptation of Bridget Jones’ Diary is close to completion and ex-Legally Blonde star Sheridan Smith is likely to be offered the role of the angst-ridden singleton after impressing writer Helen Fielding in workshops of the production, according to reports in The Independent. The 53-year-old author’s hilarious book was turned into a film in 2001 starring Renée Zellweger as ‘Bridget’, whilst Hugh Grant and Colin Firth played her rival love interests, ‘Daniel Cleaver’ and ‘Mark Darcy’.

Cast and Production Dates to be Confirmed The movie had a soundtrack composed by Patrick Doyle and featured several hit songs, two of which were released as singles: "Out of Reach" by Gabrielle and "It's Raining Men" by Geri Halliwell. The songs for the Bridget Jones musical are being written by pop star Lily Allen, who has been working with Grammy-nominated producer Greg Kurstin on the project. Billy Elliot the Musical director Stephen Daldry is rumoured to be heading the show, although cast and production dates have yet to be confirmed. The Star of Legally Blonde and Flare Path Sheridan Smith won the 2011 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance as ditsy heroine ‘Elle Woods’ in Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy Theatre. She went on win further acclaim earlier this summer when she played ‘Doris’ in a revival of Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path at the Theatre Royal Haymarket - a drama produced as part of the centenary year celebrations for the playwright. She is also well known for her roles in several TV comedies, including Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, Gavin & Stacey and Benidorm.

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Posted by Hannah on Thursday 18th August 2011 at 2:15PM

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