The leading lady of award-winning Hessle Theatre Company’s production of Legally Blonde is proving to be a law unto herself as she prepares to tread the boards at Hull New Theatre next month.
Former legal student Tanya Sewell has swapped the wig and dour black gown for a full-on pink ensemble in the musical version of the smash-hit Hollywood movie, from 8 to 12 April.
She is stepping into Elle Woods’s iconic pink stilettos after deciding to leave studying law to pursue a career on the stage, which now has brought her back, full circle, to law school.
Tanya has loved picking up her legal books again and not forgotten her time studying family law, which has helped her take on the role of the pink and perky student, Elle, who struggles to be accepted at Harvard Law School
She said: “It’s surreal to now be playing a law student on stage.
“Studying at law school has 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.
“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.
“I couldn’t ignore what I really wanted to do, so I took the leap of faith.”
The show follows the heartwarming story of Elle Woods, – made famous by megastar Reese Witherspoon – who is dumped by her boyfriend, she packs up her curling tongs and trusty pooch, Bruiser, and bags herself a place at Harvard Law School to win him back.
But diving into her textbooks with new found classmates, she learns the true power of friendship, focus and finding out who you really are.
This local production of Legally Blonde sees the return of Hessle Theatre Company after last year’s hit, Crazy For You, and previous productions of Shrek and Sister Act.
Director Martin Beaumont said this new show is ridiculously enjoyable and Tanya fits the role of Elle perfectly.
He said: “When we were casting the role of Elle, we wanted someone who could show her vulnerability as well as humour.
“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, 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.”
Tickets for Legally Blonde are on sale now. You can book at the Hull City Hall Box Office, call 01482 300 306 or visit www.hulltheatres.co.uk