Carley Stenson made the role her own from July 2011 and will continue for the rest of the show’s run, alongside Stephen Ashfield as affable attorney Emmett and veteran Peter Davison who has played Professor Callahan since opening night.

Jerry Mitchell’s production will be much missed in the West End but the musical continues its UK tour and is set to open in Sydney later this year.

There’s still time to see this sensational musical comedy before it closes, so book your Legally Blonde ticket and hotel package with Show and Stay from £67pp.

A West End theatre break is pretty much the perfect Valentine’s present.

They’re glamorous and romantic without being showy or over-the-top, they’re not too expensive, but not so cheap that you look miserly when you give them and with so many shows to choose from, West End theatre breaks are suitable for pretty much anybody.

The only real challenge when booking your Valentine’s break is selecting the perfect show. Luckily, we’re here to help.

For romantics

If you’re booking a treat for one of life’s romantics, the West End has plenty of heart-warming love stories for you to choose from. How about one of the following?
Ghost The Musical
A moving screen-to-stage transfer of the hit 1990 movie boasting some of the most impressive special effects to be seen in the West End. Expect a faithful interpretation of the film with some amazing new songs thrown in.

Dreamboats and Petticoats
A toe-tapping jukebox musical about a pair of young musicians competing to win a songwriting competition and the affections of the same beautiful girl. Good, clean fun and plenty of hits from the 1950s and early 1960s.

Crazy for You
A stunning old-fashioned musical featuring Gershwin hits such as Embraceable You and I Got Rhythm. A charming throwback to the golden age of musicals.

For big kids

Everyone knows that growing up is massively over-rated. If you’re shopping for your very own Peter (or Patricia) Pan, try one of these shows.
Matilda The Musical
This critically-acclaimed musical adaptation of Roald Dahl’s must-read children’s novel never fails to wow audiences. With music by Australian comic Tim Minchin and a truly sinister incarnation of Ms Trunchbull played by Bertie Carvel, Matilda The Musical is a great choice.

Shrek The Musical
Everyone’s favourite green-skinned, swamp-dwelling ogre has finally come to the West End. This side-splitting stage adaptation of the hit Dreamworks animated movie has a star-studded cast and a fun, lighthearted auditorium atmosphere, perfect if you don’t want to take Valentine’s TOO seriously.

The Lion King
The Lion King is less a musical, more a West End phenomenon. The show is packed with amazing performances of some of Disney’s most unforgettable songs and incredible costumes. The vibrant cast really bring this screen-to-stage adaptation to life.

For ‘blokey’ blokes

There are shows in the West End that are perfect for even the most hardened sports-watching, pub-loving blokes out there. If your partner doesn’t ‘do’ musicals then consider one of the following.
Rock of Ages
This hard-rocking jukebox musical features amazing performances of some of the biggest 1980s rock tracks ever recorded. The music of Journey, Whitesnake and Pet Benatar ensure that there’s not a sentimental showtune in sight. Quite simply, it’s the best musical in town for people who “don’t get musicals”.

War Horse
War Horse is absolutely guaranteed to amaze anyone who sees it. The combination of jaw-droppingly realistic horse puppets and a genuinely moving story make for truly compelling viewing. Make sure you see the play before the new Hollywood movie adaptation.

We Will Rock You
For an electric auditorium atmosphere and impassioned performances of iconic songs, it’s hard to beat Queen jukebox musical, We Will Rock You. The show is full of the rock legends’ greatest hits and features a wacky story by Ben Elton. If your chap is a Queen fan, there’s no better show in the world.

For ‘girly’ girls

If you’re shopping for a lady who you might consider to be a traditional ‘girly’ girl, a trip to see one of these glittering West End extravaganzas would make a great gift.
Legally Blonde the Musical
If your special lady is a fan of pink things, sparkly things, pretty things, fluffy things and/or tiny dogs, this is the show for you. With a love story, catchy songs and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, Legally Blonde the Musical is non-stop girly fun.

Mamma Mia!
It was inevitable really, wasn’t it? If you’ve ever overheard your lady singing Dancing Queen or Fernando in the shower, chances are that she’ll enjoy this sensational compilation of Abba hits. In fact, pretty much anyone will enjoy Mamma Mia!, it’s that good.

Chicago
This glamorous, sassy tale of murder and vaudeville is always a hit with West End audiences. Saucy costumes, a cast which invariably features a celebrity and singalong showtunes like All That Jazz combine to create one of Theatreland’s best shows.

The safe bets

If the person who you’re shopping for doesn’t fit into any of the above categories, try one of our ‘safe bet’ shows. These are the West End classics that everyone should see at least once in their lives .
Blood Brothers
There’s a very good reason to explain why Blood Brothers has been running in the West End for so long: It’s a gritty, powerful show with a wide appeal. It’s a tragic tale, but we all enjoy a sad story every once in a while.

Billy Elliot
A heart-warming story of a boy following his creams with a score by Elton John, what’s not to like about that? Billy Elliot has proved phenomenally popular wherever it opens, why not see what all the fuss is about?

Les Miserables
Ask someone to name a West End musical and chances are that Les Mis will come up. It’s a big, bold show that’s offers everything that a good West End show should.

The Olivier-nominated actor will replace Ricardo Afonso in the dystopian jukebox musical from 8 August, 2011.

We Will Rock You features a huge selection of hits by rock legends Queen, a book by comedian Ben Elton and choreography by Arlene Phillips. The musical is set in a grim future where rampant globalisation has resulted in the death of real music, the total homogenisation of youth culture and the rise of Globalsoft: the totalitarian mega-corporation who rule the world.

Gaumond played Galileo in We Will Rock You‘s UK Tour and was recently nominated for Best Actor In A Musical in both the WhatsOnStage.com Awards and the Laurence Oliviers for his portrayal of Emmett Forrest in the West End production of Legally Blonde.

Ticket and hotel packages for both Legally Blonde and We Will Rock You are available from Show-and-Stay.co.uk

Carley Stenson to play Elle Woods

Former Hollyoaks actress Carley Stenson will star as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, The Musical from 11 July 2011. OMG.

Currently dazzling onstage as Margot, Stenson is now set to become the Olivier Award-winning production’s leading lady taking over from Susan McFadden.

She will join Lee Mead (who will play Emmett Forrest from June 20), Natalie Casey as denim-clad hairdresser Paulette, Peter Davison as Professor Callahan, Nicola Brazil as Serena and Siobhan Dillon as Vivienne.

The charming tale of a glamorous girl from Malibu who follows her ex-boyfriend to Harvard only to discover her true worth, Legally Blonde is a real feel-good musical.

Book your tickets today to see Carley Stenson play Elle Woods at the Savoy Theatre from just £89 per person.

Legally Blonde and Wicked are two of the most popular shows in the West End, thanks largely to their dedicated groups of fans. But which show is best?

Legally Blonde has dogs, which is always a big plus. However, Wicked has flying monkeys, a dragon, and a talking Goat. It’s pretty difficult to compete with a talking Goat.

Animal casts aside, Wicked’s songs are arguably more anthemic; especially Defying Gravity. But on the other hand, Legally Blonde is far more fun than Wicked…It’s a not an easy decision, but we’re relying on you to make it for us.

Which show is better, Legally Blonde or Wicked?!

[poll id="18"]

WINNER: Wicked.

Natalie Casey is to join the cast of one of the West End’s most-popular musicals next month.

The singer and television personality best-known for playing Donna in BBC3 comedy Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps is to play Paulette in the award-winning West End production of Legally Blonde from April 26, 2011.

Casey will replace Denise Van Outen, who leaves the production on April 23, 2011.

Ticket and hotel packages to see Legally Blonde are available from Show and Stay from £71pp.

The smash-hit screen-to-stage transfer was named Best New Musical, seeing off competition from Love Never Dies, Love Story and the National Theatre’s Fela!. Sheridan Smith was awarded Best Actress In A Musical for her starring performance as Elle Woods and Jill Halfpenny picked up Best Performance In A Supporting Role In A Musical for her role as Paulette Bonafonté in the high-energy musical.

The big shock of the night had to be End of The Rainbow’s failure to pick up a single award despite being nominated for four.

Before you peruse this year’s winners, remind yourself of the 2011 Olivier Award nominations.

Best Actress
Nancy Carroll – After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Actor
Roget Allam – Henry IV Parts 1 and 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe

Best Actress In A Supporting Role
Michelle Terry – Tribes at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

Best Actor In A Supporting Role
Adrian Scarborough – After The Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Mastercard Best New Play
Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

Best Musical Revival
Into The Woods at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Best New Musical
Legally Blonde The Musical at the Savoy Theatre

Best Entertainment
The Railway Children at the Waterloo Station Theatre

Best Actress In A Musical
Sheridan Smith – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre

Best Actor In A Musical
David Thaxton – Passion at the Donmar Warehouse

Best Performance In A Supporting Role In A Musical
Jill Halfpenny – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre

Best Director
Howard Davis – The White Guard at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Revival
After The Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Theatre Choreographer
Leon Baugh – Sucker Punch at the Jerwood Theatre Downstairs at the Royal Court

Best Lighting Design
The White Guard designed by Neil Austin at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

XL Video Award For Best Set Design
The White Guard designed by Bunny Christie at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Costume Design
After The Dance designed by Hildegard Bechtler at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Sound Design
King Lear designed by Adam Cork at the Donmar Warehouse

Outstanding Achievement In An Affiliate Theatre
Lyric Hammersmith for Blasted

Best New Opera Production
OperaUpClose and Soho Theatre’s La Boheme at the Soho Theatre

Outstanding Achievement In Opera
Christian Gerhaher for his performance in Tannhaser at the Royal Opera House

Best New Dance Production
Babel (Words) choreographed by Sidl Larbi Cherkaoui and Damien Jalet at Sadler’s Wells

Outstanding Achievement In Dance
Antony Gormley for his set design of Babel (Words) at Sadler’s Wells

Who are you rooting for at this year's Oliviers? Let us know in the comments box.

The nominations list for the 2011 Olivier Awards has been released with Love Never Dies leading the pack with seven nods.

Legally Blonde also fared well with five nominations and End of the Rainbow followed close behind with four.

Tracie Bennett’s performance in End of the Rainbow earned her a nomination for the coveted Best Actress category. Bennett will compete with Nancy Carroll (After the Dance), Tamsin Greig (The Little Dog Laughed) and Sophie Thompson (Clybourne Park) for the award.

The full list of 2011 Olivier Award nominations goes as follows:

Best Actress
Tracie Bennett – End of the Rainbow at the Trafalgar Studios
Nancy Carroll – After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Tamsin Greig – The Little Dog Laughed at the Garrick Theatre
Sophie Thompson – Clybourne Park at the Royal Court

Best Actor
Roger Allam – Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Derek Jacobi – King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
Rory Kinnear – Hamlet at the Olivier
Mark Rylance – La Béte at the Comedy Theatre
David Suchet – All My Sons at the Apollo

Best Actress In A Supporting Role
Sarah Goldberg – Clybourne Park at the Royal Court
Anastasia Hille – The Master Builder at the Almeida
Gina McKee – King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
Rachael Stirling – An Ideal Husband at the Vaudeville Theatre

Michelle Terry – Tribes at the Royal Court

Best Actor In A Supporting Role
James Laurenson – Hamlet at the Olivier
Hilton McRae – End of the Rainbow at the Trafalgar Studios
Lee Ross – Birdsong at the Comedy Theatre
Adrian Scarborough – After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Mastercard Best New Play
Clybourne Park by Bruce Norris at the Royal Court
End of the Rainbow by Peter Quilter at the Trafalgar Studios 1
Sucker Punch by Roy Williams at the Royal Court
The Little Dog Laughed by Douglas Carter Beane at the Garrick Theatre
Tribes by Nina Raine at the Royal Court

Best Musical Revival
Into the Woods at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal Haymarket

Best New Musical
Fela! at the National Theatre (Olivier)
Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre
Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
Love Story at the Duchess Theatre

Best Entertainment
Beauty and the Beast at the Cottesloe Theatre
Ghost Stories at the Duke of York’s Theatre
Potted Panto at the Vaudeville Theatre
The Railway Children at the Waterloo Station Theatre

Best Actress In A Musical
Sierra Boggess – Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
Elena Roger – Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
Sheridan Smith – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre
Emma Williams – Love Story at the Duchess Theatre

Best Actor In A Musical
Alex Gaumond – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre
Ramin Karimloo – Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
Sahr Ngaujah – Fela! at the National Theatre (Olivier)
David Thaxton – Passion at the Donmar Warehouse
Michael Xavier – Love Story at the Duchess Theatre

Best Performance In A Supporting Role In A Musical
Josefina Gabrielle – Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket
Jill Halfpenny – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre
Summer Strallen - Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
Michael Xavier – Into the Woods at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Best Director
Dominic Cooke – Clybourne Park at the Royal Court
Howard Davies – The White Guard at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Michael Grandage – King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
Thea Sharrock – After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Revival
After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)
All My Sons at the Apollo Theatre
King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse
When We Are Married at the Garrick Theatre

Best Theatre Choreographer
Leon Baugh – Sucker Punch at the Royal Court
Bill T Jones – Fela! at the National Theatre (Olivier)
Stephen Mear – Sweet Charity at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket
Jerry Mitchell – Legally Blonde at the Savoy Theatre

Best Lighting Design
After the Dance at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Deathtrap at the Noël Coward Theatre
Love Never Dies at the Adelphi Theatre
The White Guard at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

XL Video Award For Best Set Design
Design for Living designed by Lez Brotherston at the Old Vic
Earthquakes In London designed by Miriam Buether at the National Theatre (Cottesloe)
Love Never Dies designed by Bob Crowley at the Adelphi Theatre
The White Guard designed by Bunny Christie at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)

Best Costume Design
After the Dance designed by Hildegard Bechtler at the National Theatre (Lyttelton)
Design for Living designed by Lez Brotherston at the Old Vic
London Assurance designed by Mark Thompson at the National Theatre (Olivier)
Love Never Dies designed by Bob Crowley at the Adelphi Theatre

Best Sound Design
End of the Rainbow designed by Gareth Owen at the Trafalgar Studios 1
Ghost Stories designed by Nick Manning at the Duke of York’s Theatre
King Lear designed by Adam Cork at the Donmar Warehouse
The Railway Children designed by Craig Vear at the Waterloo Station Theatre

Outstanding Achievement In An Affiliate Theatre
The Royal Court and Drum Theatre Plymouth for Empire at the Royal Court
Soho Theatre and ATC for Ivan and the Dogs at Trafalgar Studios 2
Donmar Warehouse for Les Parents Terribles
Lyric Hammersmith for Blasted

Best New Opera Production
English National Opera and Young Vic’s Elegy for Young Lovers at the Young Vic
De Nederlandse Opera, English National Opera and Complicite’s A Dog’s Heart at the London Coliseum
Royal Opera, Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Opera, the Liceu, Barcelona, and Opéra Bastille’s Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House
OperaUpClose and Soho Theatre’s La Boheme at the Soho Theatre

Outstanding Achievement In An Opera
Jonas Kaufmann – Royal Opera’s Adriana Lecouvreur at the Royal Opera House
Andrew Shore – English National Opera’s The Elixir Of Love at the London Coliseum
Christian Gerhaher – Royal Opera’s Tannhauser at the Royal Opera House

Best New Dance Production
Mambo 3XX1 by Danza Contemporanea de Cuba at Sadler’s Wells
Babel (Words) by Eastman vzw and Theatre Royal de la Monnaie at Sadler’s Wells
Cinderella by New Adventures at Sadler’s Wells

Outstanding Achievement In Dance
John MacFarlane for his designs for Asphodel Meadows by the Royal Ballet at the Royal Opera House
Antony Gormley for his set design of Babel (Words) by Eastman vzw and Theatre Royal de la Monnaie at Sadler’s Wells
Yoshi Sunahata for her drumming in Gnosis by Akram Khan at Sadler’s Wells

Sheridan Smith in Legally Blonde

Sheridan Smith is to return to the West End.

The award-winning former Legally Blonde star will appear in the revival of Terence Rattigan’s Flare Path alongside Hollywood’s Sienna Miller and James Purefoy at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.

The production sees a battle between love and loyalty break out when a young bomber pilot named Teddy is called away from Patricia, his glamorous actress wife, for a bombing mission over Germany. When a male film star shows up, the chemistry between him and Patricia is obvious. Will she abandon Teddy?

Sheridan Smith is to play Doris, a barmaid who marries a Polish Count.

Opening night for Flare Path is scheduled for 10 March with a run currently expected to end on 4 June 2011.

McFadden is an original member of the Legally Blonde cast who, as well as playing sorority sister Serena, has also been impressing audiences as the show’s alternate Elle since October.

Susan McFadden played Sandy in Grease the Musical at the Piccadilly Theatre after winning ITV1’s reality show Grease is the Word.

She joins Denise Van Outen, Alex Gaumond, Siobhan Dillon, Aoife Mulholland, Carley Stenson, Simon Thomas and Peter Davison in the phemonenally popular award-winning musical.

Legally Blonde the Musical theatre breaks are available from just £89 per person.