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