Catherine Bennett resumes the weekly look at the performing arts world, with the sad end of Jerusalem, the luck of a cabbie, and French revolt. Do you hear the people sing?
Adam Alcock reviews Nigel Kennedy playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and his own Four Elements at York Opera House.
Catherine Bennett highlights the trends in the performing arts world today.
Jonathan Cridford reviews 'Ghosts', one of the Freshers' plays for this year.
This production is no radical re-working but nothing is lost from following the traditional script and set-up. It is a bright, upbeat and family friendly musical which exudes energy and enthusiasm. The musical numbers are exciting and encourage even the most uptight audience to sing along or at least to mouth the words awkwardly. The sets, although precariously wobbly at times, were beautifully designed and aided smooth scene changes.
Rachel Reynolds is convincing as Eliza Doolittle, showing a real transformation from a brassy flower girl to society lady. Her voice effortlessly shifted from portraying a poor girl’s dreams in “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?” to real menace and conviction in “Just You Wait”. Reynolds’ performance is particularly emotive during the scene in which Eliza contemplates her future now Professor Higgins has won his bet and seemingly has no further use of her. The only aspect that slightly detracted from her performance was some bizarre cat-like choreography in “Just You Wait”. This inevitably caused bemusement amongst the theatre-goers around me.
Craig Kirby was another impressive performer, leading raucous ensemble pieces such as “With a Little Bit of Luck” and “Get Me to the Church on Time” in his role as the roguish dustman Alfred Doolittle. Swaggering and smirking his way through the songs, Kirby clearly relishes this role.
The standout performance of the evening was that of Rory Mulvihill as Henry Higgins. Commanding the attention of the audience, Mulvhill created the most obnoxious and infuriatingly arrogant character. Mulvihill oozed conceit and pretension and the interaction between Higgins and Colonel Pickering was particularly enjoyable. Although his voice was not as captivating as Rachel Reynolds’, his stage presence was undeniable.
Overall, it was an excellent production of the well-known musical. Whilst it is unlikely to convert those who are decidedly against musical theatre, those who are willing to give it a chance will not be disappointed. Great songs, great cast, great atmosphere: what could be more “loverly”?
My Fair Lady runs at York Theatre Royal until 23 February. Tickets range in price from £5-19 and can be purchased from the official website or by phoning the box office on 01904 623568.
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