Curve Theatre, Leicester – until 4th January 2025
Reviewed by Leanne W
4****
My Fair Lady is the Lerner & Loewe smash hit musical, which opened on Broadway in 1956. It follows the story of lowly flower girl Eliza Doolittle (Molly Lynch), who becomes the experiment of Professor Henry Higgins (David Seadon-Young), a language expert and enthusiast. Under his tutelage she is given lessons to lose her cockney accent and rise above her current situation. At the same time, Higgins stands to win a bet if he can succeed in convincing people that she is a lady. Initially, Eliza struggles to alter her speech, but soon enough she is able to speak with the eloquence of the lady he is hoping to create. The Curve production of this classic is a spectacular piece of theatre which realises Nikolai Foster’s vision.
Visually, this production is outstanding. The set (expertly designed by Michael Taylor) spans beyond the edge of the proscenium arch stage and we are treated to moments of action that require a full turn of the head. As the action opens to the busy Covent Garden we are immersed fully in the scene, iron arch ways, huge pillars and windows a plenty. This set then seamlessly lifts away and revolves to the chaotic, museum-like, home of Henry Higgins, with books, sound equipment and even a grand piano. Additional scenes requiring a mention are the racecourse (complete with a magnificent set of costumes) and the arrival of a huge bar for a rousing rendition of ‘I’m getting married in the morning’. One thing I noted was how nice it was to go back to a traditional set, no need for projections or fancy camera work, something we have seen far too much of in theatres recently. If I were to rate the production on the set alone, it would be without doubt 5 star.
The reason for dropping the star has to be the lack of chemistry between characters. This was my first time seeing My Fair Lady and unfortunately did not believe in the various relationships Eliza has, at no point did I even question that we may see a romance between our protagonists – no lingering glances, not a single awkward accidental touch, and no words shared that might suggest it would happen, until the closing vocal numbers. The intended potential relationship with Freddy (Djavan Van De Fliert) also, seeming to come from nowhere – besides his beautifully delivered solo of ‘The Street Where You Live’.
Molly Lynch performed the role of Eliza Doolittle, in the over the top style of a musical theatre actor. At times her diction in her cockney accent was poor. She did not convince me that she had come from hardship, nor that she felt desolate once the goal of making her a lady had been realised. Whilst there is no doubt she is a talented performer, I’m not sure she fully realised it in this role.
Initially I had thought that we were seeing the same from David Seadon-Young as Higgins, however as the character progressed it became more obvious that he was playing a more eccentric and chaotic character which suited him and the set perfectly. Minal Patel as Colonel Pickering brings the calm balance to Higgins and delights with some perfectly delivered one liners.
Eliza’s father, Alfred P Doolittle, played by Steve Furst, expertly bringing the comic relief throughout, with his creation of the drunk, only out for himself, cheeky Chap.
My Fair Lady is full of songs which sets toes a tapping and heads bobbing. musical Direction brings them to life ably supported by a talented cast and chorus (including a group of young performer) as well as Jo Goodwin’s fabulous choreography.
In summary this is a fantastic production, with a fabulous cast, great songs and a stunning set.