From the lecture halls of Harvard to one of Norwich's leafy parks – Legally Blonde's stars spent yesterday afternoon strolling through Chapelfield Gardens ahead of their first show in the city.

The hit musical, inspired by the Hollywood movie starring Reese Witherspoon, opened at Norwich Theatre Royal last night and runs until March 10.

The sassy feel-good show tells the story of college sweetheart and homecoming queen Elle Woods who, after being dumped by her boyfriend Warner, decides to get serious and follow him to Harvard Law School to win him back.

Swapping the shops for studying, and enlisting the help of her new friends and her faithful Chihuahua Bruiser, Elle sets out on her mission, and along the way works to defend exercise queen Brooke Wyndham who is in court for murder.

Faye Brookes, who plays Elle in the musical, said she was delighted to be in the show.

'It is a dream come true,' she said, adding that the cherry on top was working with Elle's Chihuahua Bruiser, who is played by one year old Browser.

'I've got a dog myself – Preston, a King Charles Cavalier crossed with a Jack Russell who is a bit scrappy but absolutely beautiful.'

Faye said she was pleased the show has come to Norfolk because her best friend Claire's family is from Thurlton. 'I met my best friend when I was six on holiday and we have kept in touch ever since.

'Trips to Great Yarmouth were definitely a part of my growing up,' she said, adding that she also enjoyed going shopping and to the cinema in Norwich.

'I love Norwich. I was really excited about the show coming here,' she said.

Former Dancing on Ice winner and 2006 X Factor runner-up Ray Quinn joined the Legally Blonde cast about four weeks ago and is playing Elle's love interest Warner. He said he had wanted to do the show ever since he first watched it and was thrilled when he got the chance.

About being in Norwich, he said he was looking forward to chilling out in the city and shopping.

'I know there's a Superdry around the corner so I will be in there quite a lot!' he said.

Also starring in Legally Blonde is former north Norfolk resident Les Dennis who is playing Professor Callaghan, X Factor 2007 semi-finalist Niki Evans who plays Paulette, and three-year-old bulldog Sharpie who plays Paulette's dog Rufus.

Legally Blonde The Musical is at Norwich Theatre Royal until March 10.

For more information or to book visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call 01603 630000.

emma.knights@archant.co.uk