GENERATIONS of talented performers have taken to the stage at Gable Hall School in Corringham over the years and tasted a first experience of life in the spotlight.

Many have gone on to professional careers in music and dance and, after the hiatus of covid, live theatre returned to the school this evening (Monday, 9 May) with the first of four performances of Legally Blonde - The Musical. Who knows where it will lead for an enthusiastic cast that delighted the first night audience.

And they did so with no little bravery. As befits a first night there were a number of technical problems with the sound and an inevitable amount of nervousness from young performers but the show didn't just go on, it reached a rousing finale that had parents, friends and fans whooping with delight.

Over the course of this week, with three more performances to come tomorrow, Wednesday and Thursday, more than 50 performers will be involved on stage. Tonight saw junior members of the cast take the lion's share of the lead roles and none shone more brightly than Evie Stanton in the lead role of Elle Woods. Centre stage for much of the production she never faltered and at times led the way when there was a little stutter or hesitation by her fellow players – summing up the spirit of togetherness that you often find in a school cast where its members have to give up so much of their free time for rehearsals. 

As ever, it's unfair – not to say damned difficult – to single out solo performers in an ensemble piece like this but it would be impossible not to commend River Heyburn as Emmett who coped admirably with a repeatedly failing first half microphone and then blossomed when the sound held together after the interval.

Anya Osegbo-King was a remarkably convincing Paulette, deftly mixing exuberance and self-doubt; Tommy Strutt was an authoritative Callahan and Luke Lewis a very dapper Warner. Perhaps the two strongest vocal performances came almost in cameo from Tegan Lacy as Vivian and Larnie-Rae Rouse as Brooke and they all received great support throughout from a cast that sang and danced their hearts out. The students' work has clearly been matched by the talents of Creative Arts lead Karina Latham and choreographer Francesca Guard and all the other teaching staff that have supported their young charges.

With three nights to go, tickets are still available at £3 for concessions and £6 for adults adults. OhMiGod – they are a bargain!