AMATEUR THEATRE REVIEW: My Fair Lady - The Forum Theatre, Romiley. Stockport. Greater Manchester.

 'My Fair Lady' is a wonderful show. With words by Alan J Lerner and music by Frederick Lowe, one of American Music Theatre's greatest ever partnerships, and adapted from the novel, Pygmalion, by the great G.B. Shaw, it has 'hit' written all over it! The musical is set in London, in that great period of the beginning of the 20th century, when the Empire, King and country were all Great with a capital G, and tells the story of a famous grammarian and English Language phonetician, Henry Higgins, who makes a bet with friend and fellow logophile and linguist, Colonel Pickering, that he can turn a working-class flower seller into a high society lady in just a matter of weeks. The challenge is accepted, since Eliza herself. the "guttersnipe" flowergirl wishes to learn to speak properly in order to work in a flower shop.

The musical displays the mores and morals of the era well, with Higgins never truly referring to or acknowledging Eliza as a human being with feelings etc, but more of a commodity that once she has passed her usefulness, can be thrown back into the gutter without another thought. If it weren't for Pickering being more of a gentleman and Eliza being more free spirited and outspoken (something that was frowned upon then), it would all have turned out much differently.

This version by NK theatre Arts Amateur Company was very long. That would be my first and overriding comment on this show. Admittedly the production did not start on time, but when it finished at 10:50pm and there are young children in the show and audience, it needs cutting. The company chose to use pre-recorded backing tracks for this show, and so here is an ideal opportunity for some judicious cuts to be made. There were several occasions when the music was playing but nothing was happening on stage.. and I would suggest that at least 30 minutes needs to come off this show's current running time.

Set, hair, and costumes were all quasi-realistic, but as we went along I noticed that all three areas showed several different decades and styles, many of which being too modern for the era in question sadly.

The set utilised not only the stage itself, but the first part of the auditorium too. This area was Higgins's living room. Why the two arm chairs and sofa were all pointing facing the audience (the fourth wall) I have no idea, especially when all the other furniture - a desk, the phonograph, a table, and even the lamp - were all behind these seats, with nothing in front except ostensibly a blank wall.

And whilst such effort had been made into creating a living room with much furniture, it seemed odd that the rest of the scenes opted for minimalism and artistic licence.

Ian Chatterton played the role of Henry Higgins this evening with an air of arrogance and offhandedness, and together with Maria Markland's petulant but forthright Eliza Doolittle, they both made a praiseworthy and valiant attempt at their roles, creating some nice moments between them. The moments of tension worked the best, but there was little or no chemistry between them, at least not enough visually, in order to spark a romance / love affair. Even sworn enemies have electricity firing between them! In fact, Eliza seemed more resigned to becoming a maid / servant to Higgins at the end rather than his fiancee. There was not even a kiss...!

Paul Allison made a lively, spritely, and considerate Pickering. A lovely clear voice and diction as well as a great stage presence helped his character along nicely. Becky Larner as Henry's mother, Mrs.Higgins was a delight, as was Louise Clarke's Mrs.Pearce. Jake Ridgeway gave a more than pleasing rendition of his solo, acting lovestruck quite naturally.

The principals were supported by a large and enthusiastic chorus of all ages, filing the stage where necessary.

A little long-winded, but a spirited and faithful interpretation of a classic musical; entertaining and enjoyable.

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 21.6.23