REVIEW: My Fair Lady (UK Tour)

Edinburgh Playhouse

15 December 2022

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Being honest, I didn’t know much about this show before seeing it. I’ve never seen the film nor the play, but it was advertised as “The Lincoln Centre’s” production of My Fair Lady, and to me that is a mark of quality! Their ‘The King and I’ from a few years ago was exquisite.

I have a tradition each December where I take a half day off work and go to whatever big show is playing in Glasgow or Edinburgh on my own, for an afternoon of me time. Well, shows don’t come much bigger than this.

This production of Lerner and Loewe’s musical is glorious. The stage is magnificent! The set for Henry Higgin’s home / office is better than my house. Seriously. He even has a library. I’ve never wanted to move into a set before.

The costumes are divine and with clever sound effects, a full orchestra and a fabulous cast, a trip to this show really feels like a special occasion.

First performed on Broadway in 1956 (with Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews no less!) and based on the 1913 play Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, this is a classic musical. It’s beautiful, slick, family friendly and unlikely to offend anyone.

The songs are familiar, including I Could Have Danced All Night, Get Me to the Church on Time, Wouldn’t It Be Loverly, On the Street Where You Live, The Rain in Spain, and I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.

One of the main things I took away from this performance is I now understand why Michael Xavier has the fan following he does! He is dashingly magnificent as Henry Higgins here. Add me to his fan club immediately.

Michael is joined by Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza Doolittle, gorgeous soprano Lesley Garrett as Mrs Pearce and John Middleton (Emmerdale) as Colonel Pickering.

Special mention to EastEnders’ Ian Beale, Adam Woodyatt who plays the role of Alfred P. Doolittle perfectly! I don’t know why I’m so surprised - he is an actor after all - but he is genuinely good and looks like he’s having the time of his life. The ensemble are wonderful too - there’s a lot of excellent singing and dancing to enjoy.

My Fair Lady is playing at Edinburgh Playhouse now until 7 January 2023.

NOTE: A warning to anyone going to My Fair Lady at Edinburgh Playhouse over the next few weeks - it's a long show! Running time must be around the 3 hour mark. So be aware for trains etc (trains? What trains?!)

Although it is long, there isn't any part or any song that I think could be cut. Every song progresses the narrative and everything has its place. So get comfy and enjoy!

[Review first posted on Instagram 17 December 2022]

👒 A review of My Fair Lady (UK Tour), musical theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse, December 2022. Starring Michael Xavier, Charlotte Kennedy, Adam Woodyatt and Lesley Garrett 👒

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