We are delighted to share this glowing review written by the National School Theatre Awards!
Notre Dame: Legally Blonde Jr – Pink, Powerful, and Packed with Fun
As an NSTA representative, I had the pleasure of attending Notre Dame’s performance of Legally Blonde Jr on Friday 23rd January 2026. Guided with creativity and assurance by Samuel Thomson, and supported by the musical leadership of Jack Whiting, this production marked the conclusion of a vibrant run, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and genuinely impressed.
Legally Blonde Jr follows the journey of Elle Woods, a fashion-loving sorority president who defi es expectations by enrolling at Harvard Law School to win back her ex-boyfriend. Along the way, Elle discovers her own intelligence, resilience, and self-worth, challenging stereotypes and proving that determination, kindness, and authenticity can triumph in even the most intimidating environments.
With its upbeat score, witty storytelling and message of empowerment, the show offers performers a chance to shine, and this cast seized that opportunity with infectious enthusiasm.
The auditorium buzzed with excitement as Notre Dame’s final performance of Legally Blonde Jr. burst into life. From the moment we entered the Montaigne Theatre, it was clear that the entire school community had embraced the spirit of the show. Staff members fully committed to the theme, arriving in an array of pink outfits that added a delightful sense of occasion and unity.
Onstage, the choreography – confidently executed by the cast and shaped with flair by Vicky Cesar and Dance Captains Mia-Lily, Leah and Maddy – brought precision, energy and a polished finish to every number. Behind the scenes, the technical crew worked seamlessly, ensuring smooth transitions and a professional standard throughout. The harmony between performers and stage crew created a world that felt dynamic, joyful and impressively cohesive. The opening number, ‘Omigod You Guys’, exploded onto the stage with infectious energy, instantly establishing the tone for the production. The cast’s enthusiasm was palpable, signalling from the outset that the audience was in for something special.
Every member of the cast delivered a standout performance, but a few deserve special mention. Elle, played with warmth and confidence by Poppy, anchored the production with strong comic timing and a performance that balanced humour with genuine emotional depth. Her journey from heartbreak to self-belief was portrayed with a maturity beyond her years, and she carried the narrative with assurance and charm. She maintained strong stage presence throughout and handled the vocal demands of the role with assurance, particularly in the larger ensemble numbers. Poppy showed a natural ease in leading this talented cast.
Lottie’s athleticism and charisma lit up the stage as Brooke Wyndham. Her courtroom fitness routine was delivered with sharp timing and impressive stamina, earning enthusiastic cheers from the audience. Her vocal delivery was clear and assured, and she demonstrated a strong sense of timing in both dialogue and musical sections, where ‘Whipped into Shape’ was a highlight of her performance.
Vivienne, played by Ester, offered a compelling transformation, shifting from cool detachment to heartfelt support in a way that felt authentic and powerful. Her later scenes showcased both vocal strength and a commanding stage presence, adding emotional weight to the story’s resolution.
Meanwhile, Vlada as Paulette was a comedic highlight throughout the evening. Her rendition of ‘Ireland’ was performed with confidence and charm, and her scenes were filled with sincerity and well-judged timing that made her instantly endearing to the audience.
The ensemble brought tremendous energy to the production, filling the stage with vibrant character work, confident vocals, and choreography performed with commitment and joy. Their collective effort created a rich backdrop for the story, ensuring that every scene felt full, lively and engaging. Whether supporting major musical numbers or enhancing transitional moments, the ensemble demonstrated a strong sense of unity and purpose that elevated the entire performance.
As the final number concluded, the cast and crew were met with rapturous applause. It was especially heartening to see the technical team acknowledged for their contribution, a reminder that theatre is at its core a collaborative art form. This production clearly reflected the dedication, teamwork, and school-wide support that made it possible. From lighting and sound to stage management and backstage coordination, every element worked together to create a cohesive and polished experience.
Notre Dame School’s production of Legally Blonde Jr. proved to be a joyful celebration of pupil talent, creativity and hard work. The commitment shown by the cast, crew, and staff was evident in every detail, and the result was an uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable evening of theatre. Congratulations to everyone involved for delivering a performance that was vibrant, polished and full of heart.
National School Theatre Awards
www.schooltheatreawards.com
