Nearly twenty years on, Legally Blonde still reminds audiences never to underestimate themselves.
There is something wonderfully refreshing about a musical that embraces joy without irony, and the 2026 touring production of Legally Blonde at the Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House does exactly that.
This sparkling revival captures all the charm, humour, and heart that has made the show a modern musical theatre favourite, proving that Elle Woods' story has lost none of its appeal.
Adapted from the beloved 2001 film, Legally Blonde remains far more than a fluffy feel-good comedy. Nearly twenty years after its Broadway debut, its themes of self-worth, perseverance and refusing to be underestimated continue to resonate, making the show's message feel as relevant as ever.
Image: Supplied
From the opening strains of 'Omigod You Guys!', the production establishes an infectious energy that rarely lets up.
Much of its success lies in Leah Hill's exhilarating choreography, which is packed with vitality and executed with astonishing precision. The ensemble attacks every routine with unwavering commitment, and the athletic feat that is 'Whipped Into Shape' proves a particular highlight. I will forever question how nobody appears remotely out of breath in this number.
Images: Supplied
At the centre of it all is Amber Davies, who proves herself perfectly suited to the role of Elle Woods. Effortlessly capturing the character's optimism and determination, Davies delivers a performance that goes far beyond the familiar blonde stereotype.
She brings warmth, vulnerability and impeccable comic timing to the role, ensuring that Elle's transformation from heartbroken sorority president to accomplished law student feels both authentic and genuinely moving.
Image: Supplied
Vocally, Davies is superb. She tackles the demanding score with apparent ease, bringing emotional depth to the title number whilst delivering a thrilling rendition of 'So Much Better'. Her natural comic playfulness shines throughout, making both performer and character utterly irresistible.
What makes Legally Blonde so enduring is its sincerity. Rather than making Elle Woods the punchline, the show celebrates kindness, female friendship and self-belief. In a world often quick to judge, there is something deeply appealing about a story that wears its optimism so proudly.
Legally Blonde is running until 13 June at Leeds Grand Theatre & Opera House and you can grab your tickets here.
We hope you're hungry Leeds, because a big festival dedicated to all things food is coming to Temple Newsam.
The Temple Newsam Food Festival is now in its second year after a resounding first edition, aiming to celebrate cultural diversity, independent businesses, and global cuisine.
It will take place this weekend on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, with the beautiful and historic Temple Newsam providing the perfectly picturesque location.
The festival will celebrate local talent, independent businesses, world cultures and international flavours.
The Street Food Arena will feature an array of global cuisines, cultural delicacies, and irresistible desserts whilst the event's bustling Artisan Markets will showcase a plethora of small businesses and local entrepreneurs offering freshly-baked goods, quality produce. hand-made crafts, unique experiences, vibrant art, and much more.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it doesn't stop there as festival-goers can enjoy a selection of independent bars serving cocktails, specialty spirits, fresh cider, wine and beer.
This year there will be a huge focus on live cookery demos, with ten demonstrations from a whole range of talented chefs including Leeds' own Josh Whitehead of Finer Pleasures, Bobby Geetha of Kerala Canteen and stars from Masterchef and The Great British Bake Off.
And it's not just about food and drink, as new for this year there will be a dog show, plenty of live music and lots of fun activities such as inflatable jousting and target paintball.
Tickets are on sale now, and you can grab yours here.
The hidden Leeds bakery serving giant cheese twists, pickle sausage rolls and chocolate focaccia
Clementine Hall
This spot in the city is baking up some weird and wonderful creations.
But you'll have to act fast if you want to get your hands on them, as it's only open one day a week for all your doughy desires.
Introducing Fold, a focaccia-focused bakery by the talented team behind The Cheesy Living Co.
Rewind to this time last year and with three restaurants flourishing across Leeds, the team needed a space to bake all their bread and sweet treats in-house to supply to sites.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And this is where Fold came in, located underneath the arches of Brussels Street on the outskirts of the city centre - it may take a while to find this spot but once you have, it'll be worth it.
And they're making some of the most inventive bakes that we've seen.
Of course there'll always be a focaccia on offer, with flavours ranging from crispy chilli oil, sesame and spring onion to kimchi, cheese and pistachio.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And it's not just savoury focaccia, you'll even find gooey chocolate and banana focaccia as well as Biscoff waffle focaccia....yep, seriously.
Elsewhere they specialise in gigantic footlong cheese twists with more crispy bits than soft, as well as chorizo and cheese stuffed sausage rolls and a range of freshly baked bagels for you to go home and smear in your cream cheese of choice.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Some seriously spectacular specials have been the gochujang cookies and the 'pickle roll', basically like a sausage roll but with...pickles.
It seems there's really no boundaries for where these bakes will go, and you can guarantee that every visit will be different than the rest.
Only open on Saturdays from 10am - 1pm, Fold are changing the baking game. Pop in and say hello, you won't be disappointed.
Declan Kelly -
10th June 2026 
