🎭 Legally Blonde
📍National Theatre St Kilda
🗓️ 12 to 27 July
🎟️ booktickets.com.au
When Emily McDougall takes the stage as Elle Woods in Legally Blonde at the National Theatre, she brings more than just talent and charm. She brings a story rooted in passion, perseverance and a genuine love for musical theatre. Originally from Hobart, Emily’s journey began at just 10 years old when she performed in a school musical. That early experience sparked a fire that would shape her life. Growing up in Tasmania’s close-knit but limited arts scene meant opportunities were cherished but also constrained. It became clear that if Emily wanted to pursue a professional career, she would need to take a leap. That leap eventually led her to the mainland and to Federation University, where her artistic growth truly took flight.
At Federation Uni, Emily embraced a training environment that merged musical theatre and acting into a single integrated program. It reflected the evolving needs of the modern performing arts industry. But it was not just about performing. During her time there, Emily co-wrote an original musical inspired by the emotional fallout of the pandemic. The project was more than a creative outlet. It became a profound learning experience. Through writing, Emily discovered the vulnerability that comes with putting your own feelings into art. The process deepened her appreciation for creators and expanded her understanding of how storytelling can connect audiences to deeper truths. It was a turning point that shaped her respect for the collaborative nature of theatre, not only as an actor but as a creator.
Emily speaks openly about the challenges of working in the arts. It is a tough industry. It is highly competitive, unpredictable and often emotionally draining. But instead of letting that weigh her down, she has built strategies to stay grounded and motivated. From regular dance classes to attending workshops and staying active in community performance circles, Emily has crafted a lifestyle around continuous learning and connection. These activities are not just about keeping skills sharp. They are about staying energised, building networks and nurturing the joy that first drew her to the stage. Her advice to emerging performers is to do the same. Find your community, keep showing up and stay curious.
Her relationship with Legally Blonde runs deep. Emily first fell in love with the musical through the ProShot recording. It is a moment she vividly remembers as the spark that made her dream of playing Elle. Getting the chance to step into those pink heels has been more than just a career milestone. Through playing Elle, Emily has discovered new dimensions of herself. Elle Woods is often misunderstood as just a bubbly sorority girl, but the musical version gives her space to be so much more. Emily reflects on how the role has helped her embrace the complexities of being a woman. She sees Elle as strong yet soft, ambitious yet compassionate, stylish yet deeply smart. The role challenges stereotypes and empowers audiences to own every part of who they are. It is a message that resonates with Emily personally and one she hopes will land powerfully with every person watching.
Performing in Legally Blonde has also revealed the emotional depth that theatre can add to a story people think they already know. While the film is iconic in its own right, the musical adaptation offers more character development, backstory and emotional stakes, especially through its songs. Musical numbers like Legally Blonde and So Much Better let the audience step inside Elle’s mind in a way the movie simply cannot. These moments build empathy, understanding and a sense of real connection between character and audience. For Emily, these layers are what make the musical so powerful. They turn a feel-good comedy into something that also speaks to resilience, growth and authenticity.
Looking ahead, Emily remains grounded in the reality of the arts. She knows it is a long game. Success comes in waves, and sustainability comes from building relationships and staying in love with the work itself. Whether it is co-creating original pieces, attending a weekly tap class or sharing the stage with a cast she admires, she is driven by the belief that the best way to thrive in the industry is to stay connected to your own joy and values. That is something she carries with her into every rehearsal, every performance and every conversation with fellow artists.
For audiences coming to see Legally Blonde, Emily hopes the experience is more than just entertaining. She wants them to walk away feeling inspired, uplifted and seen. The show is filled with characters who defy expectations and learn to believe in themselves, and Emily believes those themes resonate now more than ever. In a world that still imposes narrow ideas about identity, success and belonging, Legally Blonde invites us all to rewrite our own stories with courage and compassion. And that, to Emily, is the true magic of theatre. It is not just what happens on stage, but how it stays with us after the curtain falls.
From a bright-eyed kid in Hobart to leading lady in one of musical theatre’s most beloved shows, Emily McDougall’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, creative courage and unshakeable love for the artform. Her story shines a light on the many ways performers grow, not just in skill but in heart, and reminds us that the best theatre does not just tell a story. It invites us to see ourselves in it.
