X Factor star Lucie Jones talks Legally Blonde coming to Leicester

Now she’s in Leicester to tackle the role of Elle Woods in Curve’s production of Legally Blonde.

We caught up with her to find about the show, musical theatre and her pop career.

Q: How does it feel to be part of Legally Blonde?

LJ: To be a part of such an incredible show is SO EXCITING! I cannot wait to get in to rehearsals and explore the show!

Q: Did you know the film and the show well before you got the part?

LJ: Legally Blonde the movie was a firm favourite in our house so when the musical came to the West End I couldn’t wait to see it. I went to the premiere and fell in love with it so returned a further 3 times to watch the show again. It’s a dream to be part of it!

Q: Tell us about Elle?

LJ: Elle is a popular, loving, intelligent sorority sister who dates the campus’ best catch, Warner. She is beautiful both inside and out and a firm believer that “Blonde” is a way of life- not just a hair colour!

Q: Are you similar in any way to Elle?

LJ: I have a chihuahua named Radley and I used to cheerlead as a kid so even though I am a brunette there are a few surface similarities. Elle is a tenacious girl who works hard for what she wants. I am pretty tenacious so I think we have a similar fiery quality!

Q: Turning into Elle see’s you transform from Brunette to Blonde, do you think blondes have more fun?

LJ: Oh absolutely not! Im sure playing Elle and being blonde will be an absolute hoot but I am brunette and have a load of fun!

Q: Do you think there are any lessons to learn from Elle as a character?

LJ: Elle faces a lot of problems throughout her journey in the show. She is criticised, a victim of stereotyping, picked on and attempts to take advantage of her kind nature are not hard to come by. However despite all of this, she stays true to herself and is kind throughout. I think we could all take something from that.

Q: You’re making quite a name for yourself in musical theatre, was that always your goal?

LJ: I always loved musical theatre. As a kid I would watch the 10th anniversary Les Mis video we had time and time again. I learned all the parts off by heart so I could perform them for my brother (who to be honest couldn’t have cared  less at the time!). So when I reached 16 all I wanted to do was audition for theatre schools. I auditioned everywhere to no avail but last minute managed to bag myself a spot on Italia Conti’s 1 year course in London. At the same time as auditioning for schools I auditioned for X Factor. I took the opportunity to compete in the X Factor and I don’t regret my decision!

Q: Did you see the X Factor as a way into a career on stage then?

LJ: I saw the X Factor as a great opportunity to learn and meet likeminded people. I never expected to reach the live finals of the show so when I did I was over the moon! I very quickly met my agent through the lovely people at the X Factor and they pointed me in the right direction of singing teachers, acting coaches, where I should be going to for dance classes etc. I still train with the people I met back then and credit them with every tiny bit of success.

Q: Could you see yourself now as a pop performer?

LJ: Oh absolutely. I love pop music and write songs all the time. Performing current chart music is still a big part of my career (between theatre jobs I gig constantly) and I LOVE IT! Little Mix are my faves at the moment. You never know where life is going to take you let alone life in this career. If I got the chance to record and release Pop music I would love to do it again.

Q: What can audiences expect from Legally Blonde?

LJ: An energetic, well written piece of theatre with a great story and incredibly catchy songs. The creative team attached to this project are, in my opinion, second to and I can’t wait for people to see the exciting new version of this show that’s being created. I love this show and can’t pick a favourite part, I can give you a top 100 though....

Legally Blonde The Musical , directed by Nikolai Foster, runs from the until Thursday May 14 at Curve. For tickets visit www.curveonline.co.uk or call the box office on 0116 242 3595.