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Ilkley: It’s Time To Go Blonde!
The Upstagers summer show is almost upon us and this year they are going blonde. The theatre group are performing Legally Blonde the Musical at the King’s Hall in Ilkley between the 10th and 13th July with 5 performances in all including a matinee.
The show is an award winning musical comedy based on the hugely popular film of the same name and follows Elle Woods and her sidekick, Bruiser the Chihuahua, as she takes the stage by pink storm in a fabulously fun and upbeat story of self discovery and the true meaning of love as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. It is a story that spawned the saying “What would Elle Woods do?” when you are faced with a dilemma and want to do the right thing.
The perennially perky Elle appears to have it all. She loves to be pampered and shop for all the latest pink outfits in her beautiful California home. But don't let this seemingly ditsy fashionista fool you. This sorority sister is smarter than she seems and doesn't take "no" for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone "more serious," Elle sets out to win him back by putting down the credit card and hitting the books and aims to go where no Delta Nu sorority girl has gone before: Harvard Law School. She struggles with peers, professors and her ex, but with the help of her friends she realises her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.
A hugely talented cast of local performers are led by Lois Brook in the role of Elle Woods. Lois is a seasoned performer having played the lead role of Aurora in this year’s Upstagers pantomime, Sleeping Beauty and Frenchie in last year’s production of Grease at The King’s Hall. Elle is a role that could have been written for Lois who epitomises the smart, hard working and positive person portrayed in the show. She is supported by wonderful actors, dancers and singers, some of who are returning to Upstagers after a number of years to support the new wave of talent coming through.
The director and choreographer of the show, Paul Nowland says “We have another amazing show on the cards. The team have been working tirelessly to produce a show that is funny and entertaining, yet still has serious points to make about discovering your true worth and what can be achieved by hard work and determination. The show may be based on a book and film from 2001, but the themes are just as relevant today, if not more so. I’d urge everyone to come along to support our local performers and have a great time whilst doing so.”
Tickets for Legally Blonde the Musical are available on the Upstagers website www.upstagers.org.uk/boxoffice, by calling 0333 666 3366 or by calling the local box office on 01943 607944 (restricted hours apply).
