If an amateur theatre group like Oxford Operatic Society hopes to put bums on seats, then a totally professional approach is essential.

And if it wants to fill all the New Theatre’s 1,300 seats on each of its four-night run, standards must be sky-high. You can’t just rely on sympathetic friends and family.

Have no fear for this week’s production of Legally Blonde, The Musical. This show is out of the top drawer with a mixture of experience and youthful that must be the envy of the group’s rivals.

Director and choreographer Guy Briggs, who already boasts a string of past successes with the society and its off-spring, Musical Youth Company of Oxford, has chosen well for the parts both leading and in support. With musical director Julie Todd brandishing the baton for the umpteenth year, there is strength in the direction.

He has put his faith in debutant Nicola Blake for the leading role of Elle Woods, the blonde of the title, and he has picked a winner. This Head of Performing Arts at Abingdon and Witney College is outstanding both singing and dancing.

The same can be said for Freddie Cambanakis as her leading man who, although a long-established member of the Musical Youth Company, is in his first production with the society.

Guy Grimsley, in his eighth show with OOS, has swapped greasepaint for the mud he endures as a Tough Mudder and half marathon runner.

If he puts as much effort into the latter as he has in the role of Warner Huntington III, then there is a shelf just waiting for another trophy in the Grimsley home.

Playing opposite to him as Vivienne Kensington is Natalie Mullins, who has been two years with the society and is a beautiful and talented asset to the production.

There are 43 members of the cast, the majority young and enthusiastic dancers and singers who have rehearsed hard and long for this success. But there are also older members (I am told a couple or so are nearing the three score years and ten mark) who showed wonderful vitality in what is a physically punishing show.

There is no room here to list everyone, but special mention must be made of Katie Bedborough, the society’s treasurer who not only shows her talents with the pounds and pence, but is a funny and engaging personality.

Her voice in wonderful, which is not surprising as she has previously played the Mother Abbess in The Sounds of Music – Climb every mountain, and all that. Thank you, Katie.

There is one word to describe Legally Blonde and that is outstanding. Should you abandon the gardening for the evening or record the FA Cup final on Saturday to see this show? You’ll regret it if you don’t.