My Fair Lady

Student Reviews

On Tuesday 14th December, the highly anticipated production of “My Fair Lady” was performed to a large turnout of students, parents and relatives. The painstaking effort put into rehearsals and preparation was evident as the students involved put on a highly enjoyable show that was well received by all audience members, students and parents alike. The humorous qualities of the performance as well as the enthralling musical accompaniments all contributed to what turned out to be a rewarding experience for the audience and everyone who gave their time and effort to staging the play.
Reviewed by Rory O'Neill, 3rd Year.

If like me you are unfamiliar with the institution that is My Fair Lady, fear not, for you’ll be surprised by the amount of songs you already know and you’ll even be singing and tapping along to the exceptionally well delivered versions of less well know numbers.

The story follows the relationship between the unbelievably pompous Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle an immensely charming, cockney street vendor.  Higgins tries to teach Eliza the benefits of proper social etiquette during hilarious elocution lessons and social events.  The result; Higgins’ attempts to mould Eliza backfire and it is he who becomes moulded by her, losing his facade of pretenses and sardonic nature, revealing a lonely man with a warm heart.

It is impossible to fault the cast, both acting and singing are pitch-perfect across the board, but it is Robert Downes‘ (5th Year) immaculately timed, sarcastic and often outrageously funny Higgins who steals the show.  Also worth a look in are Cathy Dunne’s (5th Year) Eliza Doolittle, rivaling Adam Henderson’s (6th Year) meticulously choreographed Doolittle.  Not to mention a tremendous supporting cast.

Similarly the original, realistic and intricately designed stage, props and costumes scream early 20th century in their perfectly rustic way. This production tops any of Stratford’s previous forays into the unforgiving world of musical theatre. Absolutely first rate.
Reviewed by Killian McLoughlin, 6th Year.