THE “Scouse mafia”, as Les Dennis has dubbed them, was out in force for the return of the musical Legally Blonde to the Liverpool Empire yet there was not a local accent between them.

The comedian was joined by ex-Brookside stars Claire Sweeney and Ray Quinn for the show's second run at the Lime Street theatre, back by popular demand after launching its UK tour there last July.

The central roles of high-pitched sorority sister Elle Woods and broke but ambitious belated love interest Emmett Forrest remained the same, with long months of touring showing no toll on Faye Brookes' and Iwan Lewis' performances.

If anything, the chemistry between them was more convincing this time round, particularly in a heartbroken balladic version of the musical's title song.

Brookes sparkled her way through the transformation from Malibu Barbie to the hot shot law student who achieves her full potential by learning to be more than her good looks but at the same time remaining true to herself.

It's a rare thing, a stage version of a film that outshines the original but Legally Blonde does just that, making the 2001 movie seem dull in comparison.

It's high-spirited theatrical fun, fuelled by a score that manages to feel both modern and timeless, militantly slick direction from director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell, enough pink to send you into a diabetic coma and a great supporting cast.