DUNFERMLINE'S very own musical theatre company, Limelight Productions, has put on Scotland's first performance of Legally Blonde.

The Alhambra Theatre is hosting the unique run, which came about after Limelight was picked out and given special advance rights to perform the show.

Company manager Robert Mitchell was thrilled to get the go-ahead and said: "It was a surprise for us as we're still fairly new. Most other theatre companies in Fife and beyond have been around for 20 years or more and we've been in existence nine years. It shows we're getting more and more recognition.

"This show has not long been on the West End and the rights became available and they actually got in touch with us directly to ask if we'd be interested in doing it – normally, you have to apply to them! We didn't waste too much time thinking about it, we had to jump on it. We'll be the first company in Scotland to put it on and it's quite the honour."

The hit musical is based off the film starring Reese Witherspoon as the sorority girl who goes to law school to win back her ex-boyfriend. And while fans of the film are sure to love the show, the musical version brings something completely new to the table.

"The story is identical to the film, but the film didn't have any music so all the music is bespoke to the theatre production," said Robert. "It's really upbeat and catchy, the type of musical that is very high-energy. For us as a company it's great, it's a fantastic production.

"There are a lot of musicals set in the 40s or 50s that have a certain genre, like Oklahoma or South Pacific, but this one is very modern and has a certain style of music. It caters for a widespread appeal but in terms of the cast it's quite young. We have a cast of about 54 on stage and another 50 behind the stage making it all come together."

The coup to be the first Scottish company to perform the musical is just the latest feather in Limelight Productions' cap. In February, they put on a run of Hairspray which saw a modern record for amateur theatre audience numbers in Fife, with over 3700 patrons coming to see the show over just six performances. Robert is proud of their achievements and hopes to continue to go from strength to strength.

"It's amazing how far the company's influence has spread," he said. "The majority of people involved come from Dunfermline or the local area but there are also people from Dundee, Montrose and Edinburgh so the catchment is quite strong.

"We're gained a reputation for doing good quality shows and the venue at the Alhambra is a draw too as it's a proper theatre and gives people the experience of seeing a big West End show in Dunfermline.

"During our Legally Blonde run we'll have a bucket collection for Daniel Cornet (Press Bonnie Baby winner who was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease) and we're also launching our new mascot, Limey Bear, who you could say is the Sammy the Tammy of the theatre world!"

Legally Blonde is running until Saturday, October 10 at the Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline. Performances start at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets cost £15 (£13 concessions) and can be bought from the box office on 01383 740 384