MY Fair Lady opens at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, tonight (Saturday), and it is yet another triumph for Douglas Choral Union.
This classic Lerner and Lowe musical, adapted from George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, has a story most of the audience will be familiar with before they take to their seats.
It tales the tale of the cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle (Kathryn Power) who is taught by phonetician Professor Henry Higgins (Simon Fletcher) how to be a lady as a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering (Alex Toohey).
My Fair Lady contains some of the most recognisable songs in the whole of musical theatre - I Could Have Danced All Night, With a Little Bit of Luck, Wouldn't It Be Loverly? and many more.
Kathryn Power is brilliant as Eliza. The transformation she undergoes from a flower seller to the belle of the ball is fantastic. And while her accent is good and consistent throughout, it is her magical singing voice that grips you.
Simon Fletcher has a very interesting role to play. Professor Higgins' comments about Eliza and women ("Why Can't A Woman Be More Like A Man," he sings at one point), certainly wouldn't get him a job on Sky Sports!
I can imagine it being a challenging role to do, but as a veteran of Manx theatre Simon carries it off superbly.
Alex Toohey's comic turn as Colonel Pickering is a show stealer. Any scene with him in it is pretty much a winner and I can safely say that I am sure Alex would be able to play this role in the West End. He has proven himself to be a great character actor and the Colonel's fondness for Eliza shines through.
But there are many other stand out performances too including Thomas Iain Dixon as the nice but dim Freddie Eysenford Hill - his singing voice is a pleasure to listen to.
It would also be wrong not to mention Geoff Shimmin as Eliza's dad.
But one of the strengths of Douglas Choral Union's recent shows has been the strength of the entire ensemble.
I must also point out that the props, set and costumes are all fantastic, as is the lighting. They are a credit to all those people who work tirelessly behind the scenes.
And while there are plenty of good singers in this production, the orchestra accompanies them beautifully. Musicians are sometimes overlooked in musical theatre because they can't be seen, hidden away in the orchestra pit.
But without them musical theatre wouldn't be quite so musical!
One thing audiences should prepare for though is a very long first half. It clocks in well over an hour and a half and while the show may hold your attention the Gaiety seats are not as forgiving.
The second half, however, is much shorter.
Directed by Tony Finnegan (Manx theatre star Matt James is assistant director), under the musical direction of Wilson Shields (the Island's Liz Dixon is the assistant musical director), My Fair Lady tickets are selling well - though after tonight's opening performance expect them to be the hottest ticket in town.
The show runs until February 5. For full dates and times of performances visit the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, ring the ticket hotline on 600555 or visit www.villagaiety.com
This review was of the full dress rehearsal at the Gaiety Theatre, Douglas, last night (Friday)
All pictures courtesy of Clare Payne Photography
