Fair Dinkum Lady: My Fair Lady Review
Words Liam Stretch
Showbiz's top-billed show for the season had the audience in stitches and on their feet – a mark of the company's continued and consistent excellence.
A 1956 production, My Fair Lady, was expertly interpreted by director Stephen Robertson (known for Cats, Wicked, and Les Misérables). Maintaining the classic tale of a rough-and-ready curbside flower seller, Eliza Doolittle (played by Emily Burns), coming across linguist Professor Henry Higgins (played by Michael Lee Porter), who makes it his mission to transform her into a lady, Robertson has added a dose of freshness, creating a vibrant, enthralling, and, dare I say, camp musical.
The stage of the Isaac Theatre Royal was transformed into early 20th Century London. The design was supported by a fabulous colour palette, from lighting and costumes, which was utterly enthralling. A particular scene of note is the Ascot Races, where the costuming was absolutely world-class. While on this scene, it's worth noting the well-placed humour throughout, with physical comedy also playing a part. The use of 3D sound to replicate racehorses and the way the cast interacted with this sound received many a laugh.
The score is wonderful and recognisable to many. Richard Marrett, one of the country’s top musical directors, commands the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra with ease, especially in the midst of some quite chaotic scenes. The vocal talent of all of the cast is nothing to be snuffed at.
This is a very well-cast show. Emily Burns took on the lofty mantle of Eliza Doolittle, one of the stage's – and screen's – most iconic characters.
It's always a challenge to incorporate an accent into a character, especially when singing, but Burns managed to capture Eliza's gritty-to-gracious transition effortlessly. This transition of emotion was also grasped by Burns, as we began to understand more about her character; the emotional conflicts she faced towards the conclusion of the show were sensitively and humanely captured.
Part of the reason for Eliza's internal conflict was Henry Higgins, played by Michael Lee Porter. He understood the assignment - a narcissist that has just enough good qualities that you end up loving him. A top-quality male lead.
One standout character for me was Alfred P. Doolittle, played by John Clarke. Though not a lead character, Eliza's father had the most high-energy role in the show, with his scenes taking on raucous, cabaret-like energy – supported by complex and physically demanding choreography. Speaking of choreography, I fell in love with Colonel Pickering, played by Warwick Shillito. His not-so-mysterious other side was gently and humorously revealed in one of the most entertaining breaks to dance I've seen in some time, and the audience around me also loved it.
Jake McKay and Chris Goodyear played Jamie and Harry, Alfred's loyal friends, and offered an almost slapstick level of joy. Angela Johnson played a character that had everyone's ear by the end of the show, Henry Higgins's mother – Mrs Higgins.
An ensemble of some regular Showbiz faces supported the chorus line excellently, and some barbershop was a pleasant surprise.
With a standing ovation from a full house to round off the show, My Fair Lady provided a heartwarming night out for many a Cantabrian. Bravo.
It’s on till 30 September. I implore you to see it.