With its sumptuous lighting, innovative set and costume design and superb cast performance, the Lincoln Center’s latest revival of MY FAIR LADY is worthy of every plaudit it has received.
Few musicals are so ingrained in the public consciousness as MY FAIR LADY. The tale of manipulation and folly, inspired by George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 stage play PYGMALION, was adapted into a film musical in 1964, starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, continues to captivate audiences, as demonstrated by the Lincoln Center’s latest revival, which heads to Manchester’s Palace Theatre for two weeks only.
This stunning new production of MY FAIR LADY is perfection in theatrical form. From the first scene, Charlotte Kennedy as poor cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, is mesmerising. Her interaction with the bullish and self-centred Henry Higgins, played by Michael D Xavier, is a joy to watch.
Xavier brings his considerable experience to the role. He doesn’t disappoint one iota in his portrayal of the arrogant academic who regards Eliza merely as an experiment and a bet to his own emotional cost.
Backed up by strong support and perfect comic timing by John Middleton as the far softer and more gentlemanly Colonel Pickering and Lesley Garrett as the cautious and caring housekeeper Mrs Pearce, the quartet create a narrative that is a joy to watch.
The extensive ensemble cast excels in their various roles, whether as the working or upper classes and the choreography by Christopher Gattelli is both innovative and seamless. This is particularly evident in the show-stopping routine GET ME TO THE CHURCH ON TIME, where Adam Woodyatt, outstanding in the scene-stealing role of Alfred P Doolittle, firmly holds centre stage with one of the best musical numbers ever seen.
Rounding out the central cast are Heather Jackson as the despairing Mrs Higgins and Tom Liggins as the besotted Freddy Eynsford-Hill, who delivers a powerful solo performance of ON THE STREET WHERE YOU LIVE that again brings cheers from the audience.
This revival, directed by Bartlett Sher, with its sumptuous lighting, innovative sets and costumes reminiscent of old-style Hollywood glamour, is worthy of every plaudit it has received. The orchestra under the direction of Alex Parker is also worthy of special mention as they are flawless.
The entire production is joyous. It is fun and delightfully cosy, like eating the most expensive chocolate truffle you could wish for while wrapped in a warm duvet. Put simply, MY FAIR LADY has the feel-good factor in buckets, gaining a richly deserved standing ovation at the end by the audience.
MY FAIR LADY runs at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, until 1 April 2023
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