Production History

Legally Blonde by American novelist, Amanda Brown, is released in its self-published first edition. The novel would later be published by AuthorHouse in 2003. The plot is inspired by Brown‘s own experiences at Standford Law School. While publishing houses weren’t interested in the novel at first, a bidding war for the film rights commenced, resulting in a very generous advance for Brown and production beginning on the film long before the novel was released.

Legally Blonde starring Reese Witherspoon is released in cinemas in the US and is an instant success, going on to gross $141 million worldwide from a budget of $18 million. For her performance as heroine Elle Woods, Witherspoon won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy

Legally Blonde the Musical receives a trial run at San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre, playing from January 23rd to February 25th.

Legally Blonde the Musical transfers to Broadway, receiving its premiere at the Palace Theatre, with previews beginning April 3rd 2007. The original cast stars Laura Bell Bundy as Elle Woods, Christian Borle as Emmett Forest and Orfeh as Paulette Bonafonté.

On 24th June, the production achieves a huge milestone, grossing $1,003,282 in ticket sales.

A live filming of the musical takes place, to be used for DVD and television.

Legally Blonde the Musical is broadcast on television, with subsequent air dates including October 14th, November 3rd and November 14th 2007.

MTV premieres a new television show, Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods, searching for the next leading lady for the Broadway musical.

Winner on Legally Blonde: The Musical – The Search for Elle Woods winner Bailey Hanks takes over the role of Elle Woods.

The first US National Tour of Legally Blonde embarks, featuring many of the original ensemble.

Legally Blonde the Musical closes on Broadway after 595 performances and 30 preview performances.

Previews for the London production of Legally Blonde begin at the Savoy Theatre.

Sheridan Smith, Duncan James and Jill Halfpenny star in the West End premiere of Legally Blonde the Musical at London’s Savoy Theatre.

A second US National Tour embarks, starring Nikki Bohne. The tour later closed on May 15th 2011.

Susan McFadden replaces Sheridan Smith in the London production of Legally Blonde.

The West End production of Legally Blonde the Musical picks up three Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical, Best Actress in a Musical for Sheridan Smith and Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical for Jill Halfpenny.

On July 8th, Legally Blonde the Musical embarks on its first UK Tour, starring Faye Brooks as Elle Woods. The tour closed on October 6th 2012.

Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson steps into the shoes of Elle Woods in the London production.

On the 7th April, the London production closes at the Savoy Theatre, after 974 performances.

On October 4th,  an Australian production of Legally Blonde opens at the Lyric Theatre, Sydney, starring Lucy Durak as Elle Woods. After winning five Helpmann Awards, including Best Musical, the show closed on July 14th 2013.

Legally Blonde the Musical embarks on a brand new UK Tour, starring Lucie Jones as Elle Woods and Rita Simons as Paulette.

On 13th May, previews begin for a revamped production of Legally Blonde at Regent Park’s Open Air Theatre in London for a limited season. This ultra-modern take is directed by Lucy Moss and stars Courtney Bowman as Elle Woods. The production closed on 2nd July.