My Fair Lady

This well known classic musical is based around George Bernard Shaw’s play ‘Pygmalion’, Lerner and Loewe’s musical adaptation of the rags to riches story of the East End flower girl who moves West and wins the hearts of her adopted family was made famous in the 1950s with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews in the leads.  Hard acts to follow.  

Of course these days the huge social divide that the original play “Pygmalion” highlights no longer exists so there is no bittersweet irony to the story, though the sell out houses at the Cambridge Arts Theatre for Cambridge Amateur Operatic Society’s production proved what a huge draw this musical is and always has been

The settings, particularly that of Higgins’s home were spectacular, with scene changes being accomplished efficiently by members of the Penguin Club backstage support team.  The costumes throughout the show were excellent.  The Ascot scene was particularly striking.  I didn’t envy the wardrobe ladies having to find storage for all the wonderful Ascot hats. Hair and make-up were also good and there were some pretty authentic looking props, particularly in Higgins’ residence.  Lighting was well handled and the sound effects good and well cued.  First-night gremlins got into the body microphones a couple of times but over all this was well-handled and the sound balance was well controlled.

Kathie Pugh’s choreography was pitched well within the abilities of the dancers, particularly in With a Little Bit Of Luck, Wouldn’t it Be Loverly? and Get Me to the Church on Time.  I was slightly disappointed with the Ascot Gavotte which, to me, looked very cramped. The show makes demands on the whole company as there is a certain expectation of the principals, and with so many changes of character demanded of the ensemble.  

Jeremy Warbrick’s  Professor Higgins was excellent.  After an initial first night wobble he settled down quickly and commanded the stage. His dialogue, which is substantial, was delivered flawlessly and he gave a very believable portrayal of this rather condescending, conceited man who, whatever he believes unwittingly cares for Eliza.  He’s not so dusty on the singing front either.  Sixteen-year-old Eleanor Bogie brought a youthful freshness to the role and was convincing as Eliza Doolittle. She managed to show all Eliza’s moods - exuberance, sensitivity, anger and so forth. I personally preferred the ‘reformed Eliza’ to the ‘rough and ready Eliza’ but Eleanor played both versions well. She has a fine voice I Could Have Danced All Night particularly was beautifully sung. She also had good onstage rapport with Higgins and Pickering.  A splendid performance. Lake Falconer was very well cast as Colonel Pickering, providing a calm and caring foil to Higgins’ misogynistic tendencies. He got humour from his role and was the perfect antithesis for Warbrick’s Higgins.  A fine performance.   Ian James was entertaining as the colourful dustman Alfred Doolittle. He had a lot of fun with the part. His portrayal was very strong with a good singing voice, He was ably supported by William Hale and Lucas Elkin as his reprobate drinking companions Jamie and Harry. Higgins’ housekeeper, the formidable Mrs Pearse, was played by Samantha Abbasi who really looked the part. She managed to bring out the kindness and leniency necessary to the character. Kathie Pugh as Mrs Higgins – the matriarchal figure who finds her son extremely frustrating - delivered her lines with both aplomb. Sam Fuller took on the role of the aristocratic Freddy Eynesford Hill who becomes smitten with Eliza after her appearance at Ascot. On the Street Where You Live was absolutely superb and he conveyed the rather silly snob with amusing levity.  Vocally, for me, this was my favourite performance.

Plaudits also go to the Ensemble of Maids, Butlers, Cockneys, Company and Children on supporting the principals.  A lot rests on the shoulders of these supporting artists and the enthusiasm and enjoyment came through, particularly from Deejay Latchuman doubling as the awful social climbing Zoltan Kaparthy and we enjoyed a neat cameo from Jan Croft as Mrs Eynsford-Hill. 

Musical Director Paul Garner made a superb job of the lovely score and had done splendid work with musicians and singers.  There were many well-delivered songs, both by the chorus and soloists. Musical numbers were taken at a good pace, and the diction was excellent throughout. . 

My Fair Lady is a lengthy piece which, when well done - which it was, does not drag. However, it might have been worth making the judicious cut directors often employ, that of dispensing with the Embassy Ball scene. As everything that happens is discussed in the scene which follows it adds nothing except length.  

Director Mark Turnbull had obviously worked hard with his cast encouraging them to develop meaningful well-rounded characters.  He had certainly achieved his aim bringing a series of striking characters and pictures to the stage. This is a very long show but it had pace and good timing, was great vocally, physically energetic and as professional as many things you see in the West End.

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