My Fair Lady

I so looked forward to seeing Morley's production of 'My Fair Lady' - for me, it's like wearing a really comfortable pair of shoes - you know the time spent in them is going to be enjoyable and this production by Morley certainly lived up to all my expectations!

The story is so loved and well-known, it hardly needs me to explain it - how often these days do we leave a theatre humming such well-known tunes and vibrant dialogue - made all the more satisfying by this stunning production.

Under the superb Direction and Choreography of Michael Kirkby, this show ticked all the boxes for strong casting, lively movement, beautiul costumes, attractive settings and good sound and lighting. Ian Abbott, the Musical Director, kept a tight rein on his orchestra by not drowning out the company onstage - we could hear every lyric and had to be restrained from not joining in - not that we dare!

It is not often in my reviews where I can honestly say I was so impressed with the cast both in acting, singing and movement. Hayley Metcalfe, as the feisty Eliza, made the transition from Cockney flower girl to a well-spoken and elegant 'toff' in excellent form - totally believable and with a fabulous singing range - I always hold my breath when the high note Eliza has to hit comes at the end of 'I Could have Danced All Night' - no worries there, executed perfectly, as was her entire performance in the role. Richard Armstrong gave a spirited performance as Professor Higgins - his interpretation of the role was more animated than perhaps we are used to but I liked this - his portrayal of the confirmed bachelor trying to get through to his pupil, Eliza, was very good indeed. Steven Holt, as Colonel Pickering, gave one of his finest performances - he was made to play this role - I loved the bluster and military presence - especially in the choosing of Eliza's dress scene - brilliantly acted. Tom Daley played Alfred Doolittle with great panache - his scenes with Higgins were very amusing - as was the interaction with his side-kicks, Harry and James (excellent characterisations from Paul Newbegin and Mark Nightingale). The character of Freddy Eynsford-Hill is always one I feel nervous about - the reason is this - some young actors tend to feel embarrassed when it comes to Freddy's solo 'On the Street Where You Live' - not so Paul Metcalfe, who gave a most pleasing portrayal of this upper-class young man and it was so joyous to see him command the stage so well in acting and singing. Sadie Roberts as Mrs Pearce performed her part to perfection - the character has so many facets, especially in her interaction with the Professor - you almost want her to say, 'oh, grow up!' but she knows her place (think Downton Abbey!). The formidable Mrs Higgins was nicely interpreted by Julie Davis, who looked and sounded exactly in character - the Ascot scene with Eliza always amuses the audience - Julie Dorree as Mrs Eynsford-Hill, along with Lee Sharratt and Emma Gray as Lord and Lady Boxington, were all suitably shocked with Eliza's 'new small talk' - it's a wonderfully written scene. Jemma Hayes as Mrs Hopkins and Jason Reynolds as the Barman/Hoxton Man got the Cockney spirit just right - in fact, may I say, at this point, the accents for all the cast were spot-on - I have a good ear for this, as a Londoner originally!!

The ensemble for this production must also be congratulated on keeping up the energy, not only for the big numbers but also as onlookers, Ascot posh, Covent Garden cockneys and as the Higgins household - their enthusiasm spilled over to the audience and I am sure the principals were delighted to have such dedicated performers to back them up. The singing was of the highest quality, pronunciation clear and easy to follow. The dancers performed really well and fitted in very well with the ensemble.

And now for the Creatives - without these dedicated men and women, the onstage cast would be unable to perform to the top of their game and should always be acknowledged. Chris McEvoy and Bobby Gilman were responsible for the excellent Sound & Lighting; David Ingham, Stage Manager, who had assembled an amazing crew - Rod Baxter, Thomas Neil and Nick Thatcher: Set Construction, Rod Baxter (top marks): Props, Andrea Holt and her team, Steven Holt and Adama McCullough: Costumes, Morley AOS and Ian Stead, Theatrical Costumier - very professional, accessories and footwear just right - full marks to Tracy Stocks and Andrea Holt for attention to detail, with their team, Wendy Maynard-Light and Liz Houston - and also for correct makeup - this can so often spoil a production: The lovely Ladies Front-of-House and also in Hospitality: Follow Spots, David Burnley and Molly Wiseman (one job I never tackled in all my theatrical years!): Fly Tower, Ian Hartley and Simon Philips (another no-no for me): Prompts, Melanie Harris and Michael Madden: Finally, an excellent programme by Louise Hirst and Chris Sheard. We all appreciate your dedication and unwavering support.

To sum up - a real treat of a show in all aspects - the indefatigable talents of Michael Kirkby and Ian Abbott gave us a memorable production of a well-loved classic - we may have 'grown accustomed' to My Fair Lady. but we will never tire of it - long may it be in the repertoire of many more amateur groups.

My sincere congratulations to you all.......

 

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