My Fair Lady

It has been a long time since amateur theatre groups have been permitted to produce this evergreen show, but, boy, HOPs really went to town, 'pulled out the stopper' and gave us a 'whopper' of a show at the beautiful Harrogate Theatre.

I am sure we all know the story of the bedraggled flower-girl, Eliza, plucked from the kerbstone and taught how to speak and behave like a Duchess by her misogynist phonetics tutor, Henry Higgins - I was delighted to hear the audience around me laughing loudly at the crisp dialogue, delivered impeccably and reminding me that there is probably a generation out there who are hearing George Bernard Shaw's sharp witticisms for the first time!

This sparkling production was in the safe and experienced hands of Michael Kirkby. He brought a freshness and well-rehearsed edge to this iconic musical, in both direction and choreography. There were some lovely and innovative touches to the piece that I had not seen before, which really put it into the first-class bracket. James Greatorex, the Musical Director, also did a fine job, complemented by a twelve-piece orchestra, adding to Michael's vision of this splendid musical.

The cast were all, without exception, of the highest calibre. Nina Logue (Eliza) was strong in all areas - her acting, developing from yowling flower-girl to upper-class correctness was superb; she lifted the whole production with her excellent delivery of all the songs we know so well (I particularly enjoyed her 'Just you Wait' soliloquy) and her movement around the stage was perfection. Mark Sowden was a reflective Henry Higgins - I so enjoyed his frustration at Eliza's attempt at correct spoken English - his delivery of 'I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face' was heartfelt, a great characterisation. Gavin Mills, as Colonel Pickering, hit exactly the right military note, a perfect foil for Higgins - and I loved his regular 'tipples' at the whisky and port bottles! Dan Stanford was an assured Freddie Eynsford-Hill, as was Christine Littlewood as Mrs Higgins, graceful and beautifully dressed. Chris Cowling was a delightful Doolittle, well portrayed, as were his two sidekicks, Clive Kirkham (Jamie) and Rob Hastings (Harry) - excellent dancers, to boot!! Mel James, although perhaps a little young, played Mrs Pearce excellently - her costume and hair added to her overall look. Other minor principals were all well-drawn characters and worked well.

The ensemble were, as always with HOPS, energetic and full of life - James had worked them hard with vocals and harmonies and Michael had given them lots of business, which I love to see.

The sets were striking and professional, well-lit and the Stage Crew moved around quietly and efficiently (and costumed!). Costumes, wigs and particularly hats, were very correct and everybody looked well turned out, especially in the Ascot scene! I must congratulate the Props department on beautiful props, from the silver tea service, china and glass wear, to the sheer abundance of flowers in the Covent Garden scenes - they were exquisite!

We will never grow too 'accustomed' to this musical - especially if it is produced to this high standard - I raise my 'Ascot' hat to you all and my heartfelt congratulations on such a magnificent production.

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