My Fair Lady - a dramatic sensation!

Date: Saturday 25 April 2009

It is sometimes said of theatre and music that they can change an audience, for a moment, for an evening or even for good. This year’s marvellous Junior School production of Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady was nothing short of a theatrical triumph that has certainly changed this reviewer for the better and, yes, for good! Here was an evening’s entertainment (or afternoon’s if you saw one of the two matinee performances) of the highest calibre, from the opening frenetic scene, set amidst the hustle and bustle of Covent Garden, to the more moving and romantic finale in Professor Higgins’ study. It raises the bar ever higher for Junior School productions at St Edmund’s.

My Fair Lady is unlike other musicals of the period and genre because it is not overly sentimental. Perhaps this is due to the intellectual nature of its theme and, to a large extent, to its original, George Bernard Shaw's wonderful Pygmalion. Moreover, it is its unresolved and ambivalent ending that avoids the big ‘happy ever after’ schmaltz of so many blockbuster musicals. Isn’t it refreshing that the big romantic number -"The Street Where You Live" - is not sung by the main protagonist, but a minor character, Freddy, played sensitively by the charming Tom Hess, who fades from the scene before the end? Far from this being a dated musical, this is a complex piece, which explores many modern issues, such as morality, language, relationships, and even the place of women! Quite grown up really when you think of it, which makes this an even more impressive production with such young performers.

And what performers they were! I knew I was in for a great time when Corin Vafidis stepped onto the stage with such presence and complete comfort and bemoaned the articulatery agility (try saying that quickly!) of the English. He played Professor Higgins throughout with such dignity and aplomb that one could only marvel at his technique and artistry, oh, and did I mention his first class accent? Perfect Received Pronunciation befitting the stature of a world class wordsmith. Playing opposite Vafidis with equal theatrical skill was the immensely likeable George Gibbons, whose Colonel Pickering was solid and a nice foil to Higgins; his witty persona delivering perfectly timed comic lines. Lucy Crooks as the formidable, yet sensitive housekeeper, Mrs. Pearce, provided feminine intuition and wisdom to the wayward and vulnerable Eliza. Such splendid performances were the norm in this production and it is difficult to single out individuals in an ensemble that worked so well together with complete focus and conviction, capturing the mood of Edwardian London in song as well as spirit – ‘Wouldn’t it be Loverly’ and ‘With a little bit of Luck’ perfectly demonstrating the lively and colourful vibrancy of Richard Austen’s imaginative and skilful direction (it is amazing how he pulls it all together; it is a huge task, have no doubt about that!). Here was a show that certainly had the audience humming along throughout! That said, it would be churlish of me to ignore the likes of Sushant Lama and Eleanor Booton, who captivated the audience with their charming and often amusing portrayals of those employed ‘downstairs’.

For me however, the astonishing Aimee Walker-Reid was the star of the show. From the first moment we heard her strangulated and whiney outbursts and protestations to her final elegant and well articulated tones, she delighted and entertained the audience, who were mesmerised by her accomplished performance and singing voice well beyond her years; her burgeoning talent is certainly one to watch!

Huge congratulations go to all those who put in such a sterling effort to bring to the stage this tricky and ‘epic’ musical. Credit must go to the hard working stage crew led by Team Hawkins, Billy Bacon and Oz Andrews for their technical wizardry, Carolyn Moulsdale for her superb costumes and an orchestra led with such professionalism and skill by the inimitable Mr. Spencer Payne, whose musical direction brought out the very best in musician and performer alike.

Well done everyone. How fantastic it is for the whole school community to be brought together for such a wonderful project that is an invaluable learning experience for all concerned. Moreover, one that is essential for the growth of the whole person. Long live a ‘professional’ work ethic that is the envy of the county, long live collaboration and long live St. Edmund’s school productions!

M. Sell

Director of Drama

St Edmund’s School Canterbury