My Fair Lady – October 2017

Victoria Hall, Keighley – 18th to 21nd October 2017.

My Fair Lady, based on George Bernard Shaw’s classic play Pygmalion, tells the familiar story of Eliza Doolittle, a Covent Garden flower seller who, inspired by phonetician Henry Higgins’ public boast that he could change her social status by teaching her how to speak correctly, turns up at his door asking for lessons in order to fulfil her dream of working in a flower shop. However, Eliza eventually succeeds so well that she outgrows her lowly ambitions, and manages to become an indispensable part of Higgins’ life.

The original 1956 production of My Fair Lady with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews helped define the modern musical theatre. The original production enjoyed a seven-year run on Broadway leading to the 1964 film, which won several Oscars, including Best Picture.

The most recent London West End revival won the Olivier Awards for “Outstanding Musical Production” – “My Fair Lady” is an undoubted masterpiece which richly deserves, and repays, all the loving care the director Trevor Nunn and his company have lavished on it.”

Its classic musical numbers include “With A Little Bit of Luck”, “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “On the Street Where You Live” and “Get Me to the Church on Time”.

Our production received incredible reviews from visitors. Once again we delighted our audiences with an amazing production. Our talented cast and production team, and the technical teams behind them put together an inspiring show.

Among the wonderful reviews on Facebook and the local press, the review by Noda Representative Sally Holmes says it all:

“My Fair Lady” is one of the most popular and staged musicals.  One question that is repeatedly asked is “what is a box office show?” and “how can we get those bums on seats?”…and Keighley MTC’s production certainly was that – the production team of Kevin Moore, John Sandland and Judith Chapman are to be congratulated on this superb production.

From the opening to the finale the company showed us how to stage this iconic Lerner and Lowe musical, which is based on the George Bernard Shaw classic “Pygmalion”.

Principal roles were superbly cast and all had great singing voices. 

Mark Rundle played the pompous Professor of Phonetics, Henry Higgins, expertly.  He was faultless in his delivery of both lib and score – clearly knowing this part inside and out.  I particularly enjoyed hearing “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face”.

Nicky Burrows as Eliza Doolittle was a joy to watch and listen to.  From her “down in the gutter girl” start to the transformation into a lady fit for the Embassy Ball she oozed confidence and style to deliver a beautiful portrayal of Eliza.  Musical numbers were a joy to listen to – what a stunning voice.  Congratulations Nicky – a perfect role for you to perform!

Jonny Tate was superb as Eliza’s father – Alfred Doolittle – and the company number “I’m Getting Married in the Morning” was one of the many highlights of the show.

There were strong supporting roles from David Brett as Colonel Pickering, and Katharine Hickman as Mrs Pearce, along with Reece Raymond as Freddie Eynsford-Hill and Louise Hindle-Barton as Mrs Higgins.

John Sandland’s orchestra made a beautiful sound – it was a joy to hear such a large orchestra play at such a level that they never overpowered the voices on stage.

I must mention Oliver Trenouth on sound – it was as clear as a bell constantly throughout the performance.  Every word spoken and every note sung could be heard with clarity all the way through.  This was also due to the excellent diction of the cast members too – which is very important when “accents” are required in the production.

The costumes were fantastic – and I particularly loved the Ascot scene which was breathtaking in white and black, with stunning millinery.

Technically the show was excellent – scenery, props, lighting and sound all contributed to this stunning production.

Well done to everyone involved!