My Fair Lady

‘My Fair Lady’ was first produced in New York in 1956 and was dubbed ‘The greatest musical of the twentieth century.’  To celebrate their 90 years as a society PWOS chose this iconic show and what a good choice this turned out to be. The challenge of a change of venue  from ‘the round’ of The Rose Theatre in Sidcup to the open stage of ‘The Ship Theatre’ in Sevenoaks did not daunt them and they certainly rose to this challenge with a well sung and acted production. Costumes were stunning, especially the black and white Ascot scene. The open stage needed Tim O’Donnell’s well thought out set design with Professor Higgins’ study being revealed by opening flats on wheels. The only niggles I had was with the untidy looking curtains and occasionally there was a gap which you could see through to backstage which was a bit distracting. The set dressing and props were, on the whole, good but I would like to have seen the telephone handset actually connected. Performing with recorded music requires considerable rehearsal, and this performance was executed without errors, no doubt thanks to MD Louisa Lowing. The choreography by Gail Arnott and Emily Luxford was visually appropriate for both the cast and the stage space.

Hannah Stevens delivered a strong Eliza Doolittle, excelling in both acting and singing with a convincing shift from Cockney to refined English. Neil Stevens as Henry Higgins commanded the stage at every appearance, an exceptional performance. Robin O’Donnell brought out the comedy as Colonel Pickering, while Tim Molyneux was lively and engaging as Alfred Doolittle. Ollie Hart excelled as Freddie Eynsford-Hill and Larissa Webb was well cast as Mrs Pearce, what a lovely, homely face she had. Elizabeth O’Donnell gave a notable performance as Mrs Higgins, and the supporting cast, too numerous to mention individually, made strong contributions in their roles.

This production succeeded thanks to the discipline and enthusiasm of the whole cast, whose singing, dancing, and staging were excellent. Director James Foster and his team can be proud of their achievement.

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