“BLOWN away – honestly the best of their performances I’ve seen yet” was the reaction from audience members as Caradon Youth Theatre’s Legally Blonde finished its run at The Social in Liskeard.

Based on the 2001 film, the musical takes the story of sorority girl Elle Woods and her quest to win back her boyfriend by getting to Harvard Law School, proving along the way that friendship is everything – and that being bubbly and having a brain are not mutually exclusive!

Delivering some timeless messages about integrity, loyalty, and staying true to yourself, the show wraps up these themes in a funny, feisty and powerful package of songs.

From the opening scene, it was clear that this youth theatre sets the bar at professional performance, and the company has the talent, stage skills and stamina to achieve this aim.

Lillie Nash in the lead role sustained simply stunning vocals throughout, bringing brilliant comic timing and her own quirky stamp to the character of Elle.

Alex Long as Emmett brought just the right tone, both to vocal and spoken dialogue, and again his was a flawless performance.

Evie Dodsworth was strong and convincing as Paulette and Thomas Barriball very funny as her would-be beau Kyle. Other stand-out performances came from Toby Preston and Ellie Brunt, Josh Elliott, Olivia Putt Erin Collins, Imy Morris, Rosie Preston and Maia Arulvasagam. The Delta Nus were slick and dynamic, packing a punch with strong choreography and vocals.

The younger company deserve high praise as they were onto it every time they needed to appear in a range of guises as students, party-goers, court jury, customers and parade. Just very occasionally did it not seem clear how the ensemble parts fit together with the leading cast.

At more than two hours long, the musical had multiple set changes and transitions and it’s here that you see the real core of what the Caradon Youth Theatre sets out to achieve. Directors Nic Early and Kate Rogers equip the young members with the technical knowledge to stage a professional show. They’ve also embedded the self confidence that means the young people take full responsibility for making it work, and a teamwork mentality: everyone whether lead or chorus knows they are part of a bigger whole. They know and trust each other well and rise to expectation, and seem to have a lot of fun! The company has also had the benefit of working with two professionals this year: the composer and vocal coach Stephen Luke Walker, and dancer Jason Pook, as well as a live band during performance week. Put this together with intense hard work, and for both audience and performers, it results in a thrilling show.