Legally Blonde – The Musical **** (unedited)

A popular hit even before press night, this musical version of the 2001 film is as cheerfully chirpy as Californian sorority queen Elle Woods who sets out to prove that blondes have brains as well as a passion for pink. Determined to win back her preppie boyfriend, this ditzy, fun-loving graduate in fashion merchandising follows him to Harvard and finds that hard graft, integrity and a change of outfit transform her future.

It’s all as frothy and insubstantial as candyfloss – but it’s also lots of fun with Sheridan Smith a mischievously perky delight as Elle. Jill Halfpenny impresses as a lovelorn beautician, Peter Davison’s arrogant legal professor turns out to have feet of clay, Alex Gaumond’s reliable Emmet scrubs up a treat and the irresistible chihuahua performs like a pro.

Savoy, The Strand , WC2R 0ET (0844 871 7687) Charing Cross tube www.AmbassadorTickets.com www.legallyblondethemusical.co.uk currently booking till 23rd May – . (£20 - £62.50)