THE brief for Chepstow Musical Youth Theatre was simple: produce a high-energy, toe-tapping version of the hit show Legally Blonde.

They duly obliged for sell-out audiences at the Chepstow Community Music Centre, based at Wyedean School in Sedbury.

The central character, Elle, was played by Megan Marsh and Sian Jones for different performances and many other main characters were played by different actors.

The show is the story of a woman who gets into a top law school to show her former boyfriend she can be “serious” but who discovers being true to yourself is more important.

It was the first time the group has played at the music centre and, as well as the usual costumes and props, volunteers also created fabric “wings” for the stage.

Chris Dance was the arrogant Warner, Becca Ham and Hannah Feakes shared the role of Vivian – Warner’s new girlfriend, Cadi Watkins and Rosie Hathaway were jointly Paulette the hairdresser, Emmett – who takes Elle under his wing – was played by Luca Goddard and Declan Boyle and Callaghan the law professor was played by Joseph Walliker and Rhys Rayner.

The director was Louise Marsh, musical director was Elinor Williams and the cast was responsible for the choreography.

Ms Marsh said: “The production has been demanding for everyone involved but the cast’s hard work has produced a spectacular show which shows off the talent we have in CMYT.

“One lesson that Elle learns in Legally Blonde is one we try to convey in CMYT: believe in yourself, even if others don’t believe in you.”

The group is running a series of week-long workshops for children and young people throughout August.