My Fair Lady

Knowing for some weeks past I was having the pleasure of  reviewing this show I dare to admit I have been driving Mrs. Mason (Gillian)**, to distraction by spontaneously singing “My Fair Lady’s” greatest hits in our car. I confess I was seized by a towering feeling I could not shake off. 

 “My Fair Lady” is a great musical. Unlike many others, it contains not just one classic standard but a veritable plethora. 

The tableau as the curtain rose was brilliant. I am glad it was held for several seconds thereby allowing the audience to appreciate its impact. The Ensemble throughout was nothing short of stunning.  I will say no more. Yours was a superb effort. Congratulations to each and every one of you.

To have the opportunity of playing a major role opposite one's husband is not one that comes often.  To have the opportunity of playing a major role opposite one’s wife is not one that comes often. The rapport between Jessica and Richard Sanderson added so much to my enjoyment of the show.

Jessica Sanderson possesses a wonderful vocal range. In addition she is gifted with a face capable of effortlessly expressing diverse ranges of emotion. Her transformation from humble flower girl to society favourite was accomplished with effortless grace. Jessica perfectly captured the humour of the tea party scene demonstrating that you can take the accent out of the girl but you can not take the girl out of the accent. Richard Sanderson was confident throughout. Higgins must show himself utterly assured of achieving success in the task he has set himself. I admit though I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the character’s inner realistion that he is becoming attracted to Eliza.  Nonetheless Richard’s portrayal was masterly. His concentration was immaculate, never slipping out of character. His singing was outstanding.

The sound quality in the first act was not of the highest order. Admittedly it did improve somewhat in the second. I have mentioned this in other reviews at this theatre.  I wonder where the problem lies?  It does impede on one's enjoyment of otherwise very well crafted shows, such as this undoubtedly was. Likewise this is a long musical. Would it, I wonder, have been an idea to have offered a short interval after about an hour?  Ninety minutes is too long to expect an audience to keep fully engaged.

Eric Beardsworth was the epitome of suave good cheer and supportive friendship as Colonel Pickering. It is demanding for an actor to play such a second fiddle role but Eric achieved it admirably. Freddy Eynsford- Hill is a difficult part to make anything of. His infatuation does not really add much to the plot. Yet in “On The Street Where You Live” Lerner and Loewe gifted Freddy a song of the highest order. Simon Jackson enthralled with his rendition of this timeless classic. Mrs. Pearce and Mrs. Eynsford-Hill were confidently portrayed by Angela Schofield and Dorothy Broughton. Both players added charm and assurance to their interpretations. Likewise Mrs. Higgins, Marylin McGinty, was wonderfully understated.

Howard Raw was nothing short of magnificent as Alfred P. Dolittle. His dancing was superb: his diction exemplary. I was immensely impressed. Howard even managed to make something of the role of Zoltan Karpathy. His command of the stage is immense.

I must highly commend the clever choreography of Helen Cheung. Resisting the temptation to go for the obvious Helen conjured up impressively original dance moves. Encore!

The band under the experienced baton of Lisa Manley was first class. Never obtrusive; always paying close attention to the different capabilities of the singers. David Hulme the director took on a mighty task with this much loved musical. The audience will come to it having preconceived ideas of what they expect to see. Yet at the same time they want originality. David celebrated the classic scenes and yet was able to add a modern slant in his interpretation. Grouping was impressive and conducted efficiently. It was direction of a high order. 

The set, particularly Higgins office tucked up the corner stage right with its spiral staircase, was excellent. I am glad it was put to good use and not just put there to look neat. Lighting was always appropriate and well managed by Stevan Manley with expert stage management in the trusted hands of Paul Thompson. 

I must give a special mention to the quality of the programme. I particularly enjoyed the candid photographs of the Principals. Well done to Stevan Manley and Ian Pilkington.

This was a joyous production that did indeed get the audience tapping their feet and singing quietly along with their favorite tunes.

Thank you for your hospitality. We we look forward with eager anticipation to our next visit to this wonderful theatre.

** Not your esteemed Gillian Mason I should make clear.

PRM.

 

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