My Fair Lady

This Show is a timeless classic story with beautiful music, memorable dialogue from Lerner & Lowe first performed on Broadway in 1956 and based on Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw. All Souls’ Amateur Operatic did a very enjoyable performance which was appreciated by the audience.

The opening tableau which was held for a minute after the curtains opened was colourful and filled with all the ensemble. As always this Society uses two pianos played by Philip Sutcliffe and Chris Pulleyn as it’s accompaniment and they blend together so we’ll it is a joy to listen to them.

Eliza Doolittle (Ruth Lockwood) was fantastic and achieved the difficult change from humble Flower Girl to a Society Lad with Wouldn’t it be Loverly and Show Me. All showing her wonderful acting and singing talents.

Henry Higgins (Oliver Longstaff) delivered a strong performance getting the arrogance and also picked up some comedy moments. He commanded the stage showing the many sides to the character particularly in I’ve Grown Accustomed to her Face.

Colonel Pickering (Richard Farrar) was a very cheerful and kind friend to both Eliza and Higgins supporting both protagonists. Alfred Doolittle (Mark Hutchinson) had a good singing voice and comedy timing and even dancing especially in Get Me to the Church on Time. Freddy Eynsford-Hill. (Chris Pilgrim) the romantic, lovelorn young man whose highlight was On the Street Where You Live when we heard his absolutely fabulous voice.

There were also very good supporting roles from Mrs Eynsford-Hill (Jean Murphy), Mrs Higgins (Anna Trent), Mrs Pearce (Christine Roberts) Zoltan Karpathy (Paul Holroyd)

There were many brilliant moments but one highlight was the Ascot Scene with the traditional black and white costumes and hilarious ending of the race. The movements, choreography and chorus numbers throughout the show were very good.

Given the small size of the stage the scenery was well thought out and moved about seamlessly by Stage Manager Jim Cheetham and many crew.

Congratulations to Musical Director Colin Akers and Producer Graham Weston for a very enjoyable evening.

 

Well done to all concerned.

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