Association of Community Theatre

MY FAIR LADY

Bollington Light Opera Company

 

Director: Denise Holian

Musical Director: Sheila Kent

Choreography: Steph K Evans

 

This show conjures up the vision of a sizeable stage, huge amounts of scenery, a large orchestra and a big, big show. So how do you consider staging it in a handkerchief of a performing space? I know a theatre is a good a place for magic, but who is casting the spell. In this instance it was the creative team. Just three interchangeable panels (painted with flair by Gareth Roberts) supplied all the locations. Higgins’ study evoked the entire ambiance with just the right amount of suitable furniture and lighting. It all worked so well, the drama and music were never weakened by the overall picture. The efficiency of the stage crew changed scene to scene without slowing down any of the action.

 

Presentation, from make-up to the wearing of the period costumes, was very notable. Eliza’s entrance in her ball gown was applauded by an appreciative audience.

 

The director firmly had her hand on the tiller; the cast were well rehearsed nobody displayed uncertainty. Staging and groupings generated pleasing pictures. Using the auditorium for entrances and exits alleviated congestion. All this made way for all those iconic characters to caress the drama.

 

“There is drama in all things” including music. Frederick Loewe’s operetta-driven score was well served. Story-telling within the musical numbers was very clear and accompanied by six very able musicians. Choreography carried out by four dancers and the ensemble brought out the fun and the grandeur of the piece.

 

The reliability of the supporting roles including Mrs Higgins (Di Gordon), Freddy (Michael Scott) and Zaltan Karpathy (Craig Harris) enhanced the narrative.

 

The “most original moralist in England” Alfred P. Doolittle (Mike Raymond) and his pals Harry (Matthew Gratton) and Jamie (David Taggart) provided the right dash of humour.

 

Looking after the men of 21B Wimpole Street is Mrs Pearce, played by Diane McIntyre who suitably personified the character. Paul Yandall as Colonel Pickering Higggins’ house guest, showed warmth for Eliza with his anxiety for her to get things right, he was her mentor.

 

Professor Higgins was portrayed by Richard Cornish. Richard is an excellent actor who brought out the spoilt little boy with the conflicts of adult feelings. Henry, not unlike Pygmalion, vocally sculptures his ideal woman. The relationship with Eliza as they sparred with each other was engrossing.

 

It started as a bet and then became much more for Eliza and Henry. Emily Bancroft as the perky but vulnerable flower seller displayed grit and tears. Emily took Eliza through the metamorphosis and every single emotion.

 

This production gave the show a fresh feel and proving anything is possible in the magical world of theatre.