My Fair Lady

Based on George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Pygmalion’, ‘My Fair Lady’ is one of the most poplar musicals by Lerner and Loewe. It tells the rags to riches story of Eliza Doolittle a common Covent Garden flower seller who takes speech lessons form Professor Higgins so that he may pass her off as a lady.

Higgins is a hugely demanding role and was expertly played by Tommie Travers. Totally at ease in the part, he commanded the stage with a flawless delivery of both dialogue and musical numbers where every word was heard. I particularly enjoyed ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face’ which was sung with real passion. At the performance I attended, Eliza was played by Sylvia Cowie who looked delightful and gave a beautiful portrayal of Eliza transitioning from the rough cockney flower seller to the elegant lady. She didn’t hold back in standing up to Higgins no more so than in ’Just You Wait’ or in her outburst at Ascot. Sarah MacKinley played Eliza on alternate performances. Paul Cooke was a most likeable Colonel Pickering with his dry sense of humour and obvious support for Eliza. This trio worked well together and had a good rapport particularly in ‘The Rain In Spain’ number.

Alfie Doolittle, Eliza’s dad, is a gem of a part and Chris Cowie gave a very lively performance with lots of fun and good comic timing. His two mates Harry (John Lauder) and Jamie (Brian McKercher) also gave spirited performances in ‘With A Little Bit of Luck’ and led the company in the rousing ‘Get Me To The Church on Time’ which was one of the shows highlights.

Aiden O’Brien was a most believable love sick suitor, Freddy, with a lovely singing voice which so suited ‘On The Street Where You Live,’

Other principal cast members were all very well played - Mrs Pearce (Arlene Lauder) calmly carrying out her domestic duties. Mrs. Higgins (Debbie Beveridge) an elegant matriarchal figure frustrated by her son’s behaviour, the over exuberant Zoltan Karpathy (Mark Wilson) and Mrs Eynsford-Hill (Sheila Hay) astounded by Eliza’s conversation at Ascot.

There is loads for the chorus to do in this musical and the obvious joy of the cast on stage spilled over into the audience. The enthusiasm in the rowdy cockney scenes contrasted so well with the demure, expressionless faces at Ascot. The orchestra supported the company in the fabulous score which was very well sung especially the Ascot Gavotte. The servants too were an impressive vocal ensemble with excellent harmonies.

Good use was made of the small stage and floor area below creating an effective set. Costumes too were excellent.

This was altogether a well directed, enjoyable production by a company who had most certainly worked hard to produce a show of this standard in a comparatively short time. The reprise of ‘On The Street Where You Live’ after the curtain calls was a lovely touch and had the audience singing along. After two years of disruption and uncertainty it was wonderful to see this small group back on stage doing what they love and do so well and bringing the joy of musical theatre back into the community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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