My Fair Lady

Based on George Bernard Shaw`s `Pygmalion` The success of My Fair Lady relies quite heavily on the performances of its three main characters.  They did not disappoint.

A studied performance came from Simon Parker, who successfully portrayed Henry Higgins, a confirmed bachelor, into whose world came a common flower girl.  Emma Collins as Eliza Doolittle showed great stage presence and her acting and vocals shone through as she altered from a flower girl to elegant lady with ease.  I liked Dave O`Neal`s rendering of Colonel Pickering, a considered, sympathetic confident role.

 A character role so important to the plot was Alfred P Doolittle, played with gusto by Dan Bates.  A commendable performance came from Rob Chilton as the besotted Freddy Eynsford-Hill, and Liz Woolley was captivating as the sympathetic  Mrs Higgins.  The principal line up was completed with good backup parts from Angela Walters as Mrs Pearce, Jack Woolley and Harvey Latter as Doolittle`s buddies, and the members of the household staff.

The show was well supported by a strong chorus, with some energetic numbers, and the singing was top class in the effective Ascot scene.  The Orchestra made the most of the wonderful music, and together with a simple set, and good costumes, this was a most enjoyable production.

With new tiered seating at the May Hall for this perennial favourite, it was also a comfortable one.

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