My Fair Lady

Warmly welcomed by the front of house I was ushered into the bar and awaited meeting with the great and the good of MMS, this being their 50th Anniversary along with the Mayor of Christchurch. Thank you.

A good orchestra lead by MD Lee Marchant set off at a good lick, which was kept up throughout. The set was quite large for the smallish stage that the Regent provides and although effective and pleasing on the eye, there were one or two close shaves, and elongated scene changes, but this being opening night I’m sure these will have been noted by the stage management. Well lit and good sound too, the diction was clear and could be heard well above the orchestra

This was a good show, the pace didn’t seem to lag, which can often be the case with a well known show and the choreographed dance routines were well rehearsed and well executed, the chorus certainly seemed that they were enjoying themselves, this came across to a packed house (all too rare these days) who were really enjoying themselves.

Alex Cook as Higgins and Amy McIntosh as Eliza played well against each other and the on–off relationship between the arrogant Higgins and venerable Eliza came across well. They were backed up by Silma Ramsaywack as Mrs Pearce and Beverley Harris as the matriarchal Mrs Higgins with great aplomb. I must mention also Mark Ward as Eliza’s Father Alfred, a really strong character that seemed to suit him well, this I really enjoyed.

My only criticism, such as it is, is the curtain calls lasted far too long and seemed to break the pace that had been evident throughout, leaving the audience a bit bemused as to why they were taking so much time.

That said a really enjoyable evening, and well worth the drive to see it. Well done John and all at Milton.

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