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Writer's pictureJenna Cockburn

REVIEW: My Fair Lady | Edinburgh Playhouse


“Really, it was loverly!”

The Lincoln Center Theater’s multi award-winning production of My Fair Lady has arrived at Edinburgh Playhouse.


Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a plucky Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a professor of Phonetics who wagers with his friend and fellow Phonetician, Colonel Hugh Pickering, that within six months, he can teach Eliza to speak properly, and then present her as an upper-class lady at a high society ball.


Admittedly, I was one of the very few sat in the auditorium with no knowledge of the story, and because of that, I can tell you that the production was spectacular.


The performances were effortless, faultless, and stupendous. Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza perfected both the Cockney twang and “proper English” accent in speech and song. Michael D. Xavier superbly captured Higgins’ narcissism and cynicism of women.


Special mention to Eastender’s Adam Woodyatt who played Alfred P. Doolittle (Eliza’s father). His portrayal of the self-serving, cheeky chappy was phenomenal. Think, if Del-Boy was Victorian!


The gowns and suits of the upper-class were stunningly beautiful, and the lower-class get-up was aptly subtle and understated.


As I took a fleeting glance around me, I noticed many couples, of all ages, around me singing along to the classic songs performed by cast and orchestra, “I Could Have Danced All Night”, “On The Street Where You Live”, “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face”, and of course “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”. Every song sang pitch perfectly by the cast and ensemble.

However, what had me awwing and ahhing like an excited child at Christmas was the set designs. Easily manoeuvrable but detailed and well executed, they were intrinsic in the storytelling. Particularly, Higgins’ parlour being used as a revolving set for scenes with multiple characters in multiple parts of the parlour. Cool and clever, and just plain brilliant!


So, My Fair Lady (and Gentleman), head to the Edinburgh Playhouse this festive season and be prepared to be dazzled!





⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📸 Production Images by Marc Brenner

🎥 Reel by Jenna's Jamboree


 

EDINBURGH PLAYHOUSE

Firmly established in the cultural landscape of Edinburgh and Scotland, the Edinburgh Playhouse, owned by Ambassador Theatre Group, is the UK’s largest all seated theatre and plays host to some of the biggest names in live music, comedy and musical theatre.


Read more about Edinburgh Playhouse here. 

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