Pink stilettos take local actress back to court.
As award-winning Hessle Theatre Company prepares for their fabulous new musical production of ‘Legally Blonde’, leading lady Tanya Sewell returns to her legal past. The musical version of the hit Hollywood movie, starring Reese Witherspoon, bursts onto the Hull New Theatre stage from 8th to 12th April. Former law student Tanya is heading back to the courtroom in this hilarious musical based on the smash hit film.
Hessle Theatre Company are excited to be back at Hull New Theatre after last year’s spectacular production of ‘Crazy For You’. The movie ‘Legally Blonde’ has been a firm favourite for many years with its hilariously heartwarming story of Elle Woods, who struggles to be accepted at Harvard Law School.
Stepping into Elle’s iconic pink stilettos is Tanya Sewell. In a strange twist of fate, Tanya’s decision to leave studying law to pursue a career on the stage has brought her back, full circle, to law school. Tanya is excited to pick up her legal books again as she takes on the role of the pink and perky law student, Elle.
Tanya says she always had a deep desire to help people, “I thought law, particularly family law, would be the best way to make a difference in people’s lives. However, after a year of studying, I realised my heart wasn’t fully in it.”
“I’d always be singing in my free time and dreamt of being on the stage, so I eventually listened to my inner voice to pursue performing arts more seriously.” Turning her back on her studies was scary, but Tanya said, “I couldn’t ignore what I really wanted to do, so I took the leap of faith.”
Since graduating from Arden School of Theatre with a BA Hons in Musical Theatre, Tanya has performed professionally around the country. She has set up her own entertainments company, Troupers Entertainment Ltd, singing at events nationwide.
“It’s surreal to now be playing a law student on stage!” Tanya has never forgotten her time studying family law, “it’s helped me with public speaking, thinking on my feet and managing pressure, all skills I need on stage. I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to combine both worlds and have had fun stepping into Elle’s shoes.”
Martin Beaumont, director of ‘Legally Blonde’, has directed full-scale musicals for Hessle Theatre Company for over 19 years. In that time, he has presided over heart-wrenching productions of ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ and ‘Titanic’ and lavish, high-energy shows such as ‘Shrek’ and ‘Sister Act’.
“When we were casting the role of Elle, we wanted someone who could show her vulnerability as well as humour”, Martin tells us, “We didn’t want a caricature. Tanya has a steely determination underneath her down-to-earth warmth and a sense of humour that show the side of Elle that we want Hull audiences to experience.”
“Having someone with first-hand experience studying law is an absolute bonus. We didn’t find out Tanya had legal training until we’d already started rehearsing for the show. It’s such an asset to have someone who understands Elle’s journey and brings that honesty to the stage. I believe all the best comedy and the most emotive performances come from a place of truth.”
“The past experiences that Tanya can draw on mean that we’re developing her performance in a way that is not only true to what audiences will expect from the well-loved character that Elle is”, Martin says, “but hopefully has the edge of authenticity that will make it something quite personal and special too. And her wicked sense of humour has brought a lot of fun and laughter to the rehearsal room!”
‘Legally Blonde’ is seriously good fun with high-kicking cheerleaders and memorable songs that will have you singing all the way home. Tickets for this guilty pleasure are selling fast, and it would be a crime to miss it. ‘Legally Blonde’ is showing at Hull New Theatre from 8th to 12th April and tickets start at only £10.
Hessle Theatre Company presents ‘Legally Blonde’
Hull New Theatre 8-12 April 2025
Tickets £10-£32 concessions available (additional fees apply)
www.hulltheatres.co.uk/theatre-events/legally-blonde
Box office: 01482 300306
Director: Martin Beaumont
Choreographer: Elise Johnson
Musical Director: Rebecca Barques
Playing Elle Woods: Tanya Sewell