Hit musical Legally Blonde is returning to London with a diverse, history-making cast
A new adaption of Legally Blonde the musical will star a diverse cast.
The musical adaption of Legally Blonde is returning to London this summer with a stunningly diverse cast.
The West End hit based on the film of the same name will head to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 13 May.
The history-making adaption of the musical will run until 2 July and tickets are available from London Theatre Direct.
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It will see Black actors play lead characters, Elle Woods and Emmett, and a trans, non-binary actor play the role of Elle’s friend, Margot.
Isaac Hesketh, who will play Margot said: “As the first trans non-binary person to play this role professionally I can’t quite put into words how grateful I am to be taking this huge step in musical theatre history.”
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Hesketh recently responded to a transphobic post that featured an image of them alongside a photoshopped version of the title of the play, reading “Legally Male”.
They tweeted the image alongside the caption: “I’m out here too busy being successful to get my nails infilled and people have the time to photoshop whole logos? Could never be me”.
“You’ve made my determination to change this industry that little bit stronger today,” they added.
“If anyone else feels like I’m not right for this part of that I won’t be able to do this role as well as a cis female PLEASE feel free to drop me a message and I’ll be more than happy to buy you a ticket to watch the show so you can sit there for the duration and be proved wrong.”
I’m out here too busy being successful to get my nails infilled and people have the time to photoshop whole logos?
Could never be me ?? pic.twitter.com/fUkWxA7U41
— Isaac Hesketh (They/She/He) (@Isaac_Hesketh) April 25, 2022
The iconic Elle Woods will be played by Courtney Bowman, who said: “This is for every single person who doesn’t see themselves on stage, that’s the most important thing.”
When announcing her role in the show on social media, she said: “I can’t believe I am saying this trying to keep my cool but it isn’t working…I am going to be ELLE WOODS! I know…I can’t believe it either.”
Bowman has previously appeared in SIX and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, and it will see her reunited with Lucy Moss, the co-creator and writer of SIX.
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Moss will direct the upcoming Legally Blonde production, which is written by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin (music and lyrics) and Heather Hach (book).
Other confirmed cast members include Michael Ahomka-Lindsay (Emmett), Lauren Drew (Brooke) and Vanessa Fisher (Vivienne).
Billy Nevers, who is part of the ensemble confirmed that “EVERY combination of Elle and Emmett and is BLACK” in a tweet, including the lead actors and understudies.
The musical is based on the book and film adaption, which stars Reese Witherspoon in the lead role.
It follows Elle, a fashion merchandising major who heads to Harvard to win back her ex-boyfriend, Warner Huntington III.
While embarking on her drastic plan she discovers there’s more to love than she had anticipated.
The musical features songs including “Omigod You Guys”, “Take It Like A Man”, “Bend and Snap” and the title track.
Meanwhile a third Legally Blonde film is set to be released in 2023, which will see Witherspoon reprise her role.
How to get Legally Blonde tickets
They’re now available to purchase from London Theatre Direct.
Tickets are priced from £28, plus booking fees.
The show will run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre between 13 May and 2 July.
Performances will take place Monday to Saturday at 7:45pm, with matinee performances on Thursdays and Saturdays at 2:15pm.
Assisted performances will take place on 21 June (BSL interpreted), 24 June (captioned) and 25 June (audio described and touch tour).
