My Fair Lady

My Fair Lady... a musical produced and staged by Maghull Musical Theatre Company at Southport Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Friday 13th June 2025

My Fair Lady, based on the 1912 play ‘Pygmalion’ written by George Bernard Shaw, is hailed by critics and audiences alike for its heart and wit.  Made into a musical in 1956 by Lerner and Lowe the story is about transformation, patronage, gender politics and class.  Acclaimed Professor and confirmed bachelor Henry Higgins makes a wager with his linguistic colleague Colonel Pickering that in six months, he can pass off “gutter snipe” Eliza Doolittle as a Duchess at an embassy ball.  Days and nights of arduous training result in Eliza learning to speak English “properly” ... she is transformed into a lady respected and adored by all. She meets and bewitches young Freddy Eynsford-Hill who falls in love with her. Eliza also forges a deep connection with both Pickering and Higgins, but finds herself in a difficult position ... too refined to go back to her old life, yet with no means or desire to pursue the life of a lady of leisure. When Higgins fails to acknowledge Eliza’s efforts in her transformation, she leaves the Higgins household, only then does Higgins realizes how deeply he cares for her. She returns but leaves again ... for what reason ... that’s left to your imagination!

Production Team ... Maghull MTC had charged John Coates (Director), Andrew Standeven (Musical Director) and Pam Devereux (Choreographer) with the responsibility of placing this ‘epic musical’ on stage and what a tremendous job they made! With a fabulous cast, this talented society just did it their way from opening scene to final bow ... it truly was, all about detail!  I’ve read many times that My Fair Lady is known as the ‘perfect musical’ and Maghull MTC did their best to showcase that fact whilst putting their own ‘stamp’ on the production. John’s direction was top notch and I’m presuming it was his decision to take Eliza off stage and through the audience at the end of the show... to me, pure genius, and again detail, detail, detail. Andrew’s leadership of his orchestra, his influence over the singers, both principals and chorus alike were evident throughout and then, to top it all off...we had Pam’s attention to detail ... her choreography was exciting, original which blended perfectly with the locations and the period.  Be ever so proud you three, great job!  

The Cast ... I’m not actually sure that ‘cast’ sums up what we saw on stage, from the closeness that lurked around every corner, this really did seem like ‘one big family’ enjoying being on stage together!  A ‘stage family’ of thirty-six, with many more lurking in the shadows, each of whom should be oh so proud of what they helped achieve.  Due to cast numbers, I’m abbreviating the character names ...  let’s start with the ‘principals’ ...  Kay Davies who played ‘Eliza’; Colin Kilbride – ‘Higgins’; Colin Dryden - ‘Pickering’;
Tom Avann - ‘Freddy’; Gaynor Hale - Mrs Higgins’; Les Gomersall - ‘Alfred’; Dan Rogers - ‘Harry’; John King - ‘Jamie’; Alison Patten - ‘Mrs Pearce’; Bob Cleverly doubled up playing ‘Zoltan’ and ‘Lord Boxington’.  ‘Supporting Roles’ ... Eric Fletcher - ‘Bazaar’; Pam Devereux - ‘Edie’; Alex McKillop - ‘Chopper’; Chris Rimmer - ‘Smiles’; PJ Green - ‘Chancer’ and Matt Casson - ‘Wheels’.  The ‘Ensemble’ ... Jenny Capstick - ‘Bright’; Hannah Charnock - ‘Goldie’;  Ellie Simons - ‘Blossom’; Suzanna Morris - ‘Sunshine; Caroline Lester-Hall - ‘Petals’; Emily Grogan-Allen - ‘Bloom’; Pheobe Hill - ‘Chatter’; Hayley King - ‘Blimey’; Ian Culshaw - ‘Harry’; John Ball - ‘Fingers’; Issy Housley - ‘Penny’; Yasmin Cranny - ‘Daisy’; Leanne Cooney - ‘Evie’; Cathryn Blane - ‘Maggie’; Zoe Stevens - ‘Pip’; Helen Henshaw - ‘Lady Evelyn; Chris Taylor - ‘Lord Montcrieff’; Laura Making - ‘Lady Tarrington’;  Gill Culshaw - ‘Lady Marchmont’.  You’ll know by now... I’m never one to sit on the fence, so I’m going to select four favourite characters ...
MY favourites, you’ll no doubt have your own, but these are MINE!  Selecting favourites is never easy, especially when you could see that everyone on stage was giving their all... but I am going to stick the ‘old neck out’ and start with the lady who made the iconic/demanding role of ‘Eliza Doolittle’ her own... Kay Davies. I know, having spoken to Kay post show, that this was a role she’d wanted to play forever and now having been given the opportunity, she took it and ‘knocked it out the park’! Confident, assured, feisty, vulnerable, sophisticated... her transition from ’cockney flower girl’ to a ‘Lady’ fit for any occasion was simply exquisite. Her ability to cope with the vocals for all those great songs, delivered in both versions of her developing character was amazing... with perfect diction, this was an outstanding performance, one to be very proud of Kay.  Colin Kilbride provided us with another brilliant character in the form of ‘Professor Henry Higgins’. His dialogue, which is substantial, was delivered flawlessly. Colin commanded the stage from the off, delivering a wonderful balance of arrogance, patronising snobbery with just a touch of sarcastic humorous banter. He and Kay worked ever so well together... be very proud Colin. ‘Alfred Doolittle’, Eliza’s father, is a ‘gem of a role’ and I don’t think there’s anyone better suited to play that type of role than Les Gomersall.  Les created this really strong character, with comic timing aplenty, he worked ever so well with all the cast especially the ‘quartet’ Alex McKillop, PJ Green, Chris Rimmer and Matt Casson... they had some great moments, especially the song/dances...  ‘With a Little Bit of Luck’ and especially ‘I’m Getting Married in the Morning’. Final favourite was Alison Patten’s portrayal of ‘Mrs Pearce’, Housekeeper at 27a Wimpole Street. Mrs Pearce is a central role in this musical being present for all the pivotal moments in Eliza’s transformation. Loved her mannerisms, facial expressions and the ‘chest lifting’ bit... brought the house down (ahahahahaha) ... be very proud Alison.  Honestly, I could go on; there were so many great performances ... so please, if you aren’t mentioned as a ‘favourite’ don’t think you weren’t noticed...  your energy and effort made this musical the success it truly was!

Staging/Tech/Set ...  the set, the space, the access and exits points were all used well and to the full, which allowed the show to flow at a wonderful pace. The Set was designed by Dave Murray (Infinity). In charge stage wise was Ed McKillop (Stage Manager) and his crew of Radley Haynes and Peter McKillop with Chris Morris (Flyman). Sound – was first class, under the experienced Matt Hughes and Olivia Burns (Assistant).  Lighting-Design - created by Andrea Shacksmyth-Claire was excellent ... and I must give ‘special mention’ to our ‘Follow Spot’ operators Corina Davies and Paul Shacksmyth-Claire ... it’s not often you get ‘follow spots’ so accurate and precise, be proud folks!  Projection – more and more shows are benefiting from amazing projection used to establish and create location whilst enhancing the plot ... created by the ever so talented Paul Shacksmyth-Claire (Infinity).

Orchestra... Andrew Standeven (Musical Director) and his fabulous orchestra (The Covent Garden Ensemble) _ should be congratulated on their effort and support throughout this production... Strings/Woodwind & Brass: Jess Holding, Charlie Roberts, Nieve Mannion, Adam Dutch, Sarah Dutch, Niamh Boland, Michael Grant, Kim Jameson, Cliff Ray, Tony Armistead and JP Warder with Sam Jones on Percussion.

Wardrobe ... the costumes were fabulous, of the period and enhanced the production ever so much, obtained from ‘Triple C’ and The Costume Store.

This was another great show, with many outstanding performances from both principles and ensemble alike!  Be very proud MMTC, you did yourselves proud.  Thank you for the invitation, thank you for your hospitality and attention throughout and thank you for allowing me to meet and speak with the cast ‘post show’ ...  Susan and I thoroughly enjoyed the production which you should all be ever so proud of... already looking forward to White Christmas! 

Stay safe, Keep well ...
Stronger Together
Jim Briscoe ...
NODA NW District 6 Rep

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