My Fair Lady

Apparently you can wait ages for a bus, then two come at once- the same must be said for shows that are three hours plus in length! Having attended My Fair Lady in Garstang the previous evening, tonight was the turn of Grange Amateur Operatic Society.

Everyone knows the story of My Fair Lady, based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, so rather than re-tell it, I’ll get straight to the nitty gritty.

Considering this was her first leading lady role, Olivia Muir played Eliza Doolittle with the confidence of a seasoned pro. Olivia lit up the stage with her portrayal of Eliza, her transition from Flower girl to an elegant lady was captivating and believable throughout-a beautifully executed performance.

Olivia was well complemented by an assured performance from Ian Wilson playing the equally demanding role of Henry Higgins, the pompous phonetics Professor. Ian was obviously relishing this role, and played it slightly more seriously than I’d seen in the past, perfect diction and timing throughout, and every inch the Englishman

Mike Butterworth played Colonel Pickering. Mike’s Pickering was the perfect foil for Ian’s Higgins, both had great stage presence and both allowed the comedy when it came, to come from their characterisation. The scenes with Eliza, Higgins and Pickering were really good- you could really tell a lot of work had gone into their characters and the dynamic between them.

Mick Malkin obviously had fun with the role of Alfred P Doolittle, always happy to sponge an ale or two off people (Doolittle, not Mick). Mick’s experience shone through, his bravado bolstered whenever he was with his mates, Harry and Jamie, played well by David Lamb and Richard Tyler.

Freddie Eynsford-Hill, was played by David Kay. David played and sang the role of the love struck fop well, making a great suitor (or so you’d think) for Eliza.

The roles of Mrs Pearce and Mrs Higgins were played earnestly by Pam Mellor and Trudi Carter- Pam, excellent as the housekeeper- firm and insistent that Eliza be treated well. As was Trudi in the role of Henry’s long suffering mother. Other roles Zoltan Karpathy (Howard St Quinton), Mrs Eynsford-Hill (Terri Foley),to name but a few, all played their parts well.

As with all large productions, the chorus need to be on board with the rest of the company- they were. All of them worked hard in their numbers, and kept their harmonies throughout.

Staging for this was a more elaborate affair than usual, with a lot more onstage larger props. In most cases these added to scenes, as it gave the scenes a more intimate feel, although I did feel it stifled Eliza’s movement in “I Could Have Danced All Night”.  Well done though, for giving the stage a depth and reality.

Musical Director Jane Thedham, had obviously worked hard with the chorus and principals, and as per, provided us with an orchestra you could quite happily listen to all night- they were, quite simply, superb.

Grace Heap as Director and Choreographer for the show must have been really pleased with how the company presented her vision of this show. I think this was her directorial debut for Grange. I’m sure, by this showing, it won’t be the last.

Thank you Grange, for your invite and hospitality.

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