My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady is based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion which was originally written in 1912 and highlighted the class differences of the time. Anyone attending this production expecting the opulent costumes and sets usually associated with this musical were in for a surprise, they were not going to see them but what they would see were some superb performances with lots of energy and commitment to the piece. Julie the director had taken the brave decision to move the action to present day and based in Newcastle. The majority of the story adjusted well to the modern setting and instead of “Cockney” accents we had “Geordie” accents but due to restrictions with the text due to performing rights the references to London locations could not be changed. The production highlighted the plight of homeless people and instead of the usual costermongers the stage was filled with the homeless and people providing them with much needed support.

The music was excellent, the small orchestra of 7 under Chinami’s direction made a lovely sound and every musical number was well delivered with beautiful harmonies especially notable in the “maids” songs. The ensemble singing was good and they gave good support to the principals in the full company scenes.

All of the supporting principals gave good performances in their roles as well as adding their voices and skills to the ensemble numbers.

As Mrs Higgins Elizabeth Purcell was perfectly cast, her acting is superb and her elegance and accent fit to grace any Royal garden party.  Jonathan Robson was a suitably love-struck Freddy and had a naivety that was endearing in his fruitless persual of Eliza . Adam Donald as Alfred P Doolittle gave an excellent portrayal of  the worldly wise father of Eliza, his performance had energy and joy that was tangible and his audience pleasing songs were well delivered.  Mrs Pearce is usually played by a mature lady but Sheralyn Allon made this role her own, her delivery and expressions were perfect. Cameron Burges was also much younger than his role of Colonel Pickering is written but again his performance was excellent and he had good energy and rapport with Clark Adamson as Higgins and played a gentle friend to Eliza. Clark gave everything he had to the portrayal of the mammoth role of Higgins, the stubborn, brash, bachelor whose heart is melted by Eliza, the substantial dialogue was delivered flawlessly and his vocal performances were good.  Emily Smith as Eliza was superb, this too is a substantial role with huge amounts of dialogue but Emily made it look effortless, her transition from gritty street girl to a lady was very well portrayed and her singing was beautiful.

My fair Lady is a long show but this production did not lack pace and it was also supported with good lighting and sound.

Congratulations to all for a very entertaining production and for raising awareness of the much needed charitable causes “North East Homeless”, “Re-f-Use Café” and the local foodbank.

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