Legally Blonde: Meet our Elles

Year 13 students Florence and Meira are taking on the lead role of Elle Woods in Withington’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. We caught up with them before they went on study leave to find out more about the show and their musical journeys at Withington.

What can the audience expect from Withington’s production of Legally Blonde The Musical?

Florence: It is so hard to sum up in just a few words. A lively, pink-filled emotional rollercoaster! It is full of energy, humour and heart, and every single cast member has poured so much into it.

Meira: A production that has a palpable energy and genuine sense of enjoyment from everyone involved. It’s a very upbeat, feel-good show with a story that is easy to sympathise with and enjoy.

How have you prepared for the role of Elle Woods?

Meira: I first heard the Legally Blonde soundtrack in Year 7 and, having revisited it after the show was announced, I really enjoyed it. My friend (who plays Vivienne) and I decided to watch a recording of the original Broadway production on YouTube. From this, I looked at Laura Bell Bundy’s performance and have tried to draw on her interpretation while still making the role my own. One of my favourite reality TV series: The Search for Elle Woods, though a bit of a guilty pleasure, has also influenced some of my choices.

Florence: I have fully thrown myself into the process, attending every lunch and after-school rehearsal and really living in Elle’s world. I have also watched lots of different productions of Legally Blonde to explore how others have brought the role to life, and that has helped me find my own spin on her character while still keeping her iconic energy.

Meira: Elle’s genuine love for her friends and excitement to try new things feels especially relevant as Florie and I come to the end of our time at Withington. This connection has made this aspect of the role feel a lot more natural and meaningful to us both.

What is your favourite part of the show?

Florence: Surprisingly, it is the graduation scene. It feels almost like a parallel to my life right now, and I can resonate with it on a realistic and deeper level. There is something really bittersweet about leaving a place that feels like home – not only because of the people around me but because the memories accumulated and moments that have shaped who I am.

Meira: My favourite part of the show is either the song What You Want or the infamous court scene, though some of those lines in an American accent are a bit of a challenge.

What role has Withington played in your music journey?

Meira: Since joining Withington, I’ve had so many opportunities to perform with some of my closest friends, as well as the chance to form friendships across different year groups. This has been a key part of my music journey, and has only furthered my love for performing.

Florence: Withington has shaped my entire musical journey. Mrs Sargent and Miss Ashworth have been incredible role models and mentors since I was seven in Transition – they have supported me through every stage and encouraged me to pursue my passion wholeheartedly.

You both study A Level Music, can you tell us more about your extra-curricular activities?

Florence: Music has been a huge part of my life both in and out of school. I have completed ABRSM Grade 8 in Singing, Piano, and Violin, and I’m regularly involved in choir and orchestra performances – from annual Bridgewater Hall concerts to Christmas services at St Ann’s Church. I was also part of the Hallé Youth Choir for a time, which really helped develop my vocal skills and love for ensemble singing. I have taken part in the Alderley Edge Festival every year, and last year I was honoured to win the Rosalind Campey Young Singer of the Year Award.

Meira: I have been very involved in school music as a member of the choir and also the chamber choir. I have participated in every Manchester Sings concert and played Mother Superior in Sister Act. I am part of Thursday Singers, a joint choir between Manchester High School for Girls and The Manchester Grammar School, where I performed as Fantine in their production of Les Misérables last October. Outside of school, I am involved in the Junior RNCM, Hallé Youth Choir and the National Children’s Choir Of Great Britain and I have undertaken LAMDA to Grade 8. Over the years, I’ve also participated in the Alderley Edge Festival and this year I was pleased to be awarded the Bromley Davenport and Marion Rogers cups, and had the privilege of performing at the winners’ concert.

Can you share some of your favourite Music memories?

Florence: St Ann’s is always a favourite – singing in the beautiful church at Christmas and walking through the Christmas markets is something I look forward to every year. The trip to see Hamilton was another unforgettable moment as I always find myself at the nearest musical. But the most meaningful memory is definitely the Christmas performance at The Christie Hospital. It is one of the most rewarding and emotional moments of my time at Withington.

Meira: Some of my favourite memories include some particularly flamboyant costumes: wearing a full nun’s habit in the peak of summer for Sister Act, being the Fairy Godmother and the Queen of Hearts in the Juniors and dressing as a French peasant last year at Founders’ Day for the Les Misérables medley. The St Ann’s Carol Service is a favourite for me too – the chips at the markets help braving the cold every year.

Lastly, can you tell us some behind the scenes highlights?

Meira: A highlight of rehearsals so far has to be Mrs Berry making her temporary debut as Bruiser (Elle’s dog) in the opening number, or Mrs Berry and Mrs Sargent playing frat boys in a rehearsal that felt more like a fever dream. Another memorable moment is from during dress up week for Year 13. Acting alongside someone delivering lines dressed as YouTuber and Make Up Artist James Charles made it quite difficult for me to keep my nerve.

Florence: There was a rehearsal in March where Meira and I completely lost it. I spotted a head suddenly pop up from the middle of the empty Arts Centre seats and burst out laughing. Meira couldn’t see it at first and thought I was imagining things but once she saw it too, we were both in fits and have never uncontrollably laughed like that before.

Meira: The rehearsals have been filled with so much laughter and fun, making this entire experience truly unforgettable. We can’t wait for the performances – it’s going to be an amazing final hurrah!

Both Florence and Meira are continuing their study of Music at university. Florence is holding an offer from the University of Oxford to read Music and is in receipt of a choral scholarship. Meira will start a course in vocal studies at the Royal College of Music, after receiving a suite of offers from top conservatoires. We wish them and all of students taking examinations this summer the very best.