IN THE words of director Dan Brookes, the musical Legally Blonde, performed by the youth theatre company Crash, Bang Wallop, is tricky to stage.

It has complex dance scenes, needs strong leads who can sing, dance and act in order to translate American humour to Yorkshire folk, and a tightly knit ensemble for the high energy dance scenes.

There are quick changes for a multitude of beautiful costumes, speedy scene and lighting changes requiring an efficient crew, which they certainly had, and the mastering of the American accent.

No mean feat, but this talented company managed to pull it off and produce yet another slick and professional show, backed by an equally talented band directed by Jeremy Harbottle.

Since the 1850s in the US, female university students have formed sororities or sisterhoods for mutual support.

Feisty Elle, played with energy, skill and brilliant comic timing by Olivia Dell-Price, is newly graduated in fashion and merchandising.

We see her preparing with her group, Delta Nu, for her imminent proposal from her boyfriend, Warner Huntingdon 111. Unexpectedly rejected by him she decides to follow him to Harvard to study law.

Clashes of between her background and Harvard make for amusing scenes and excellent one-liners. Her journey bends suspension of disbelief somewhat but is fun, chaotic and highly entertaining as she becomes an intern, wins a case and finds both her true self and true friendship with the delightful Paulette, her hairdresser, and loyal friend, Emmett, played by Anna Robertson and Morgan Burgess respectively, neither of whom would have looked out of place in a professional production.

One of the strengths of this company is the emphasis on ensemble, working together and being generous in performance. Credit goes to the choreographer, Emma Greenhalgh, who runs a tight team, who dance well and brim with confidence and energy.

The Delta Nu group were exceptional. All ages danced together in very tricky numbers, the audience holding its breath through the mightily difficult Whipped into Shape song, where not only had the performers to dance and sing, but to perform difficult skipping moves at the same time.

Another strength was in tiny details of characterisation and comedy moments. Some of the youngest cast were a delight. Abigail Robertson as the tiny judge with the huge voice, Joe Morton’s cool dancing, and a cameo performance by the older Harry Gates as the Pool Boy were remarkably confident. There were many others too numerous to mention.

Most credit goes to Dan Brookes who gives these young people confidence and self-belief and also a cracking time rehearsing and performing.

Jan Hunter