Sue Parslow went along to Leicester to see the Curve’s production of the hit musical Legally Blonde

Guys and Dolls consisted of a sequence of acrobatic dance numbers and a feel-good score. Love struckLegally Blonde is like a bottle of fizz – it’s full of energy and sparkle and will thoroughly lift your spirits. Based on the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon, it follows a lovestruck girl from High School as she transforms herself from pastel pink airhead to a ‘serious’ law graduate in a mission to recapture her lost love. In the lead role of Elle Woods, Lucie Jones (whose diverse credits include Les Mis and X-Factor) leads a large cast who sing and dance their way through the entertaining storyline. Very often she‘s accompanied by an adorable Chihuahua, as Elle was in the film, and another canine steals the limelight later in the musical.The show is fast-paced with some fun stage sets and plenty of humour. I found the songs quite catchy and bounced out of the theatre with a couple in my head.Legally Blonde runs at the Curve until Saturday May 14.

CURVE THEATRE

Curve is an award-winning theatre so named because of its curved façade. The building was designed by acclaimed architect Rafael Viñoly and officially opened by The Queen in 2008. As there’s no traditional backstage area theatre goers are likely to spot actors dashing from the stage to their dressing room or enjoying a coffee in the café! Managed by Leicester Theatre Trust, Curve is a registered charity which aims to enable people of all ages and backgrounds to participate in and learn from the arts, nurturing new and emerging talent, and creating world-class theatrical experiences. Highlights in this year’s programme include Sister Act, a musical comedy starring Alexandra Burke and directed by Craig Revel Horwood (July 30 to August 13), and Million Dollar Quartet, which had success in the West End on Broadway. This worldwide smash-hit musical was inspired by a recording session that brought together rock ‘n’ roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. It will be at the Curve from September 14 to 24.

GO AS A GROUP

The theatre welcomes groups of 10-plus, including schools and colleges. There are discounted rates for selected shows (further discounts apply to groups of more than 20 or more than 50).

Benefits can include:

● No transaction fees andfree postage

● An option to reserve your tickets and pay at a later date via invoice

● Free teacher tickets for school groups (one free ticket for every 10 booked)

● An option to pre-order drinks and ice creams

● A bespoke backstage tour

● Exclusive hospitality and dining packagesThe in-house catering team can provide canapés to three-course meals for groups who wish to eat at the theatre and there are areas that can accommodate from 10 to 100 people. The alcoves around Curve’s foyer areas are also available to hire and these too can be reserved for the evening. Coaches can drop off/pick up in the city centre and park free of charge in Abbey Park Road (call 0116 251 6691). For more information call the Group Sales team on 0116 242 3595 or email groupbookings@curvetheatre.co.ukwww.curvetheatre.co.uk