My Fair Lady

This was my first visit to a Trinity Music & Drama production and I am pleased to say a very pleasant one.

“My Fair Lady” is a timeless classic with a beautiful score, a wealth of vibrant characters and plenty of memorable dialogue and scenes.

It’s always tricky writing a show report on an opening night as there are often technical issues which further into the week have been ironed out. This was no exception with some microphone and lighting cues missed and several entrances by cast members took too long which in parts slowed the pace down. A few of the scene changes could have been slicker too – however despite these first night hiccups the cast produced some wonderful performances and I soon became immersed in this familiar tale of the cockney flower girl looking to change her fortune.

Our heroine, Eliza Doolittle, was beautifully portrayed by Nicole Clements. After a slightly shaky start which I will put down to her microphone not being turned up to the correct level, she really grew into her character. Nicole has lovely comedic timing and gave Eliza real grace, charm and likeability – all crucial to this role. She looked wonderful in her gown for the ball, very Audrey Hepburn! Her scenes with Professor Higgins and Colonel Pickering were funny, heart warming and believable. Congratulations to Nicole for taking on such an iconic role and doing it so well.

Professor Higgins is a role that would test many, however the remarkable David Slater pulled it off with ease! David gave the audience a masterclass in acting with impeccable timing, huge presence and a fluidity in his dialogue and songs that should be near on impossible given the length and complexity of them. It was a treat to witness such an expert performance, David’s 25 years’ experience as a professional actor evident in every one of his scenes.

Mick Wilson as Higgin’s loveable sidekick Colonel Pickering was a joy to watch. He squeezed every ounce of comedy out of his dialogue and showed off some nifty footwork during “The Rain in Spain”. This is one of my favourite characters in the show and I thoroughly enjoyed Mick’s performance.

Other performances of note go to Kieran Bacon as Eliza’s lovestruck admirer Freddy Eynsford-Hill and Patsy Page as Mrs Higgins. Both gave confident performances and I really enjoyed “On The Street Where You Live” – one of my favourite songs from this show.

There were some good ensemble numbers although at times the dancing felt a little tentative.  “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me To The Church on Time” are usually real crowd pleasers but didn’t quite have the energy I expected to see. First night nerves perhaps. There also appeared to be some microphone issues during “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” which was a real shame as I couldn’t hear the individual vocals come through very well. Having said that the ensemble sang with confidence for the most part and I noticed some nice harmonies in places under the baton of MD Gerald Hindes, supported by a large orchestra.

Costumes were excellent with great attention to detail. I particularly liked the traditional black and white Ascot dresses complete with parasols, very elegant. The set was impressive and a mention must  go to the moving flames in the lamps on Higgin’s office desk which were timed to perfection to rise on the pronunciation of the letter “H”. This was very effective.

With so many “modern” shows doing the rounds in community theatre it was a pleasure to re visit this classic. Director Eric Smart and his team did justice to this iconic musical, giving the audience a hugely enjoyable evening at the theatre.

Thank you to everyone involved and for the warm welcome my guest and I received. I look forward to seeing you all again soon in your next production.

 

Victoria Carey

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