My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady is a well-known musical therefore it has to be good, Bridgwater Operatic Society certainly did not disappoint!

They not only had the actors, singers and a great chorus but great support from all back stage!

The first thing that impressed the audience was the very clever way the lighting was adapted by way of projection of scenery that was created to complement the actual scenery that was on stage. It not only looked very good but gave an immediate change of scene so that the production just flowed without any awkward changes or hassle and created the atmosphere needed. You really did feel that you were in Covent Garden or right outside the pub. I believe that this sort of projection of scenery is the way to go, so congratulations to B.O.S for their initiative and investment.

The opening got off to a good start with the orchestra playing the overture to perfection and putting the audience in the right frame of mind!

The costumes looked great and complemented each character. The hustle and bustle at Covent Garden was managed very well and didn’t distract from the principals.

Dannielle Tucker played Eliza Doolittle with distinction, she not only looked the part but sang so well. She managed the transition from Cockney to Lady expertly (It really made you want to congratulate Higgins!)   She put her all into her songs and her acting matched it  

Henry Higgins (Philip Turley) gave a wonderful performance, so much so, it could have been written for him. Great timing and physical input, the portrayal of breath taking arrogance was superb.

Colonel Pickering (Colin Martin) was the perfect foil to Higgins and got the character just right.    
Alfred Doolittle played by Andrew Carpenter made a delightful drunkard, a rough father to Eliza and proved very versatile in his singing and dancing along with a splendid chorus!

Matt Bell as Freddy Eynesford -Hill was one of the best I have seen in this role. His singing of” On the Street where you Live ” was impressive.

Mrs Pearce (Sarah Whittaker) made a great and longsuffering housekeeper along with her supportive maids. 

Mrs Higgins (Sue Pomeroy) not only looked the part but was graceful and sympathetic when it was required to Eliza, and firm toward her son Henry without going over the top. A super performance.

Jamie… Joe Houlihan along with George…Tony Pomeroy, Harry… John Holliday, Mrs Eynesford -Hill…Jenny Groves, Mrs Hopkins…Liz Jarvis, Lord Boxington …Mark Jarvis and Lady Boxington …. Amanda Gentile, all played their characters well.

The Chorus sang and danced well and did not let up for one second on the stage and the costumes were outstanding. the director James Tucker should be proud of his production as should the M.D Lynne Moore with her orchestra’s great sound alongside the excellent dancing directed by Choreographer Lucy Taylor.

This was a show done well, no one was miscast. A hugely enjoyable performance that some professionals would be proud of!  The Company was not even phased when the houselights came on unexpectedly towards the end of the show (due to a member of the audience being taken ill)

Thank you to you all for a great evening that will be remembered for a long time, roll on your next production I can’t wait!

Graham Liverton NODA Councillor Southwest.

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