Oh My Gosh you guys! Last Friday and Saturday, a talented cast of over 70 FHS pupils, from Year 7 to Year 13, took to the stage in the prestigious Grand Hall at Battersea Arts Centre, for three dazzling performances of Legally Blonde The Musical. Over 700 audience members were immersed in the life of Elle Woods as she enrols at Harvard Law School, determined to win back her boyfriend, Warner, before quickly discovering the transformative power of self-belief as she sets out to prove herself to the world.

Our pupils rose to the challenge of taking on this fast-paced, high-energy contemporary musical with creativity, commitment and courage, working as a team to create a memorable experience for every member of the audience. The electric atmosphere was fuelled by fierce choreography, stand-out acting performances and catchy musical numbers, including So Much Better, Positive and What You Want. Head of Drama, Miss Smyth, reflected, “the cast’s ability to convey the essence of Legally Blonde with such originality, sensitivity, authenticity and charisma reflects the incredible talent within our school community.”

When she swaps sorority life for the hallowed halls of Harvard Law, Elle Woods (played by Sofia in Year 13) realises that she doesn’t need to switch her signature pink for ‘sophisticated’ dark blue as she makes her way in the world of law, defying societal expectations and stereotypes. Moments of pure comedy were interposed with sensitivity and had the audience oscillating between tears and laughter throughout. In true FHS style, the highlights of the production were the explosive ensemble numbers which gave every performer the chance to shine, from the Delta Nu sorority to the students of Law.

FHS’s annual theatre productions consistently reach new heights as our Music and Drama Departments descend upon a new external location every year. Legally Blonde at Battersea Arts Centre follows last year’s magnificent Guys and Dolls at Riverside Studios and Made in Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre in 2022. The extraordinary versatility and range of our young actors, combined with the vision and belief of their directors, makes this huge annual feat a resounding success.

Miss Smyth summarises, “As we reflect on this incredible production, we are reminded of the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and showcase the remarkable talents within our FHS community. The success of Legally Blonde at Battersea Arts Centre is a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and dedication of our students, staff, and supporters. Thank you once again to everyone who contributed to the success of this production, both on and off stage. We look forward to future opportunities to celebrate the artistic achievements of our talented students, and to continue fostering a love for the performing arts within our school community.”