My Fair Lady live at The Hippodrome

Last night I went with my lovely Sister-in-law to see My Fair Lady live at the Hippodrome theatre. It was a magical evening, I’ve always loved the film but seeing it on stage was even better.

The story of My Fair Lady is based on the book Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw, which in turn was inspired by Greek mythology. The basic principle of the story is change, and in My Fair Lady it’s a change in social status.

Henry Higgins is a linguist who embarks on an experiment to turn a flower girl off the streets London, into a Lady fit to attend a Royal Ball. Just by improving her appearance and linguistic tone.

The whole story revolves around social circumstances and how they differ. But it’s also a love story with a difference because the love never resolves.

My Fair Lady at the Hippodrome

Last year I went to see Singing In the Rain with my Sister-in-law and we really enjoyed the show. I couldn’t wait to see another and My Fair Lady was a must.

It also had some famous faces including Adam Woodyatt (Ian Beale from Eastenders) John Middleton (Asley Thomas from Emmerdale and the fabulous Soprano Lesley Garrett.

But what wowed me the most was the fabulous scenery and the ingenious scenery changes. It really was a sight to behold from Covent Garden, Higgin’s House, Ascot, outside Higgin’s house, The Embassy Ballroom and the Pub.

The costumes where also fabulous, I love the ladies at Ascot with their fancy hats and the comparison with the can can dancers.

The singing was also amazing and they had a live orchestra, which always makes a difference. You may recognise some of the more famous songs.

• Wouldn’t it be Loverly
• With a Little Bit of Luck
• The Rain in Spain
• I Could Have Danced All Night
• On the Street where you Live
• Show Me
• Get Me to the Church on Time
• I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face

My favourite had to be Get Me to the Church on Time with Ian…I mean Adam Woodyatt leading. It was so funny and so cleverly done. The dancing was fantastic too. It was so hard not to sing along!

I Could Have Danced All Night was beautiful, but it would have nice to have heard a little more of Lesley Garret who didn’t get a solo part.

As well as the music and dancing there was a lot of acting, and it was all perfect. I was totally engrossed from start to finish. Professor Henry Higgins was played by Michael D. Xavier who is also famous with roles in film and television. (Grantchester, Outlander, Gentleman Jack and Grace.) Unfortunately, I’ve not watched any of them. He played Higgins really well though and I was totally convinced with his character. Eliza Doolittle (Charlotte Kennedy) was also really good.

Sadly My Fair Lady is coming to the end of it’s tour with the 19th March being it’s last night in Birmingham before moving to Manchester for the last leg of the tour 22nd March to 1st April.

If you are able to get to the West End, Organized Roo has written a post about some fabulous musicals for children.

Looking for something a little more modern then Life Loving Blog has written a great review of the Back to the Future Musical.