My Fair Lady – Review 18 July 2025 by Penny Taylor
Nelson Repertory Theatre delivered their production of Lerner and Lowe’s 'My Fair Lady', the timeless story of a poor cockney flower girl who is transformed into lady after taking lessons from phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins, to a packed house, and I don’t think anyone would have left disappointed.
Olivia Newton showed us the despair and spirit of Eliza Dolitte with her acting and delightful singing performance. Peter Verstappen’s portrayal of Professor Henry Higgins was flawless, while Mike Ward sweetly delivered the gentlemanly Colonel Pickering.
Breffni O’Rourke gave a diverting rendering of the fierce yet soft-hearted housekeeper, Mrs Pearce; Nick Gastrell a masterful performance of the philosophical dustman, Alfred P Doolittle; not to mention Cathie Johnson, who as Mrs Higgins could have walked straight out of Edwardian Mayfair.
The comic timing was spot on throughout and there were some amusing cameos from Florian Schrimpf and Zoltan McComb.
I was particularly impressed with the diction which gave us the chance to enjoy and chuckle at the clever script and amusing song lyrics.
The artistic backdrop creations of Mike Ward, stage dressing and lighting created atmosphere, be it the bustling flower market of Covent Garden, or the splendour of the Embassy Ball!
The costumes were glorious with hats displaying the distinctive flair of Keith Marshall and Betty Ross. The Ascot Open Day in its monochrome theme, was jaw-dropping. The choreography was entirely appropriate for each number and delivered with skill, energy and grace.
Saul Gibney gave us a powerful singing performance of “On the Street Where You Live” as the lovelorn Freddy Eynesford-Hill. The Company and sound booth team furnished complicated numbers to perfection. Other solo performances bought shared joy, humour and sadness.
Nelson Repertory’s production of this show was professional from opening number to final bow and closed to a standing ovation. It doesn’t get any better than that! Congratulations to Director, Lynley Bradshaw, Musical Director Chris Lukies and the entire cast and crew.
My Fair Lady runs from Thu 17 Jul – Sat 26 Jul 2025. Tickets available at the Theatre Royal box office or online https://www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz/
