The Musical Medics Society stunned audiences with three performances of the musical rendition of the classic chick-flick to raise over £3500 for charity.
Following eight weeks of rehearsals, the Society held three evening performances from 25th to 27th October in the stunning art deco surroundings of the Jubilee Theatre, somewhat perplexingly located in St Nicholas Hospital, Gosforth, to the surprise of many ticket holders.
The biggest surprise, however, was that the approximately two hours long performance featured an all-singing all-dancing cast comprised primarily of fourth year medical students, as tradition of the society dictates, alongside some third year and intercalculating medical students. Spectator Tavier Fairburn, who was stunned by the performance, asked, “Who would have thought that medics could sing and dance as well as look good in scrubs!?”
The cast of approximately 30 performers wowed the audience with musical renditions of the film’s scenes and impressed the audience with their surprisingly accurate American accents. The show was complimented by a live orchestra, composed mainly of further medical students alongside some music students who lent their instrumental expertise. The society additionally organised the set, sound and lighting, and ticket marketing and sales.
The show, which was performed to a total audience of approximately 600 spectators, raised money for charity through ticket sales, pre-show and interval refreshment sales, and nightly raffles including prizes donated by Grainger Market.
It was an excellent show for an excellent cause; the money raised, estimated to be in excess of £3500, was donated to two charities selected by the society, CAMFED and Marcus in Mind. CAMFED is an international charity who strives to eliminate poverty in Africa through educating and empowering women and girls. Marcus in Mind was set up in memory of Marcus Colville, a former Newcastle University medical student who tragically took his own life in December 2017. The charity fundraises to support research and reduce suicide rates among young people.
Attendee Charlotte Paton, Geography graduate, was highly impressed by the performance. “I decided to go to support a friend in the orchestra. I thought it was lovely that so many people were supporting their friends and peers. The music was great and the performances were very humorous. The audience participated actively which brought the overall musical to life. Overall a very enjoyable evening”
Commenting on the phenomenal success of the event, Musical Medics President Persia Bowater, who also featured in the show as hairdresser Paulette, said, “I can’t believe it’s over! It’s been the best couple of months rehearsing, and we got such great support at all three shows. Sadly, now we all have to go back to our actual degrees...”
Legally Blonde is a 2001 chick-flick based on the adventures of blonde socialite Elle Woods. Following her boyfriend’s announcement that he is commencing studies at Harvard Law School and his resultant end of his relationship with Elle, the blonde bombshell decides that the only way to win back his heart is to be the successful career woman she believes he wants. Thus follows her attempts to be accepted by Harvard Law School herself - and following her surprising success, the film charters her success in the legal world and attempts to win her heartthrob back - who knew that the courtroom could be so glamorous?