PATRICK MARMION theatre review: This fizzing Fair Lady is LOVERLY

As a theatre enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in the vibrant world of performances, I find myself thoroughly captivated by the diverse offerings this season brings! From the enchanting spectacles of La Clique to the heartwarming traditions of Thursford Christmas Spectacular, there’s something for everyone.

My Fair Lady (Curve Theatre, Leicester)

Verdict: Get me to the Curve on time!

In the 1964 film adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe musical My Fair Lady, the spirits of Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn linger perpetually. Therefore, it takes an extraordinary effort to elude their influence – and that is precisely what Nikolai Foster’s vibrant, bold, and joyous new production manages to achieve in Leicester.

The movie largely revolved around Harrison, following his performances alongside Julie Andrews on Broadway and in the West End. For him, the film could be seen as a tailor-made, vibrant costume crafted from celluloid, offering him more songs than perhaps his character’s stern demeanor and rigid vocal style might suggest.

Despite approaching the project with a brand-new perspective, Foster revitalizes the show, making it a joyous experience once more.

Initially, David Seadon-Young introduces us to a younger, somewhat temperamental phonetics expert named Henry Higgins. Instead of being an old, fussy individual, he is more of a high-strung control enthusiast with the unsettling tendency to scrutinize people for categorization purposes.

In the role of Eliza Doolittle, the flower girl of Covent Garden, Molly Lynch delivers a powerful emotional impact to the show. She is relatable and open with her feelings, singing each note from the depths of her heart. What stood out to me was her cautious demeanor and surprise at those around her, including the eccentric Higgins, her own carefree father Alfred (Steve Furst), and her smitten upper-class suitor Freddy (Djavan Van De Fliert).

Meanwhile, Seadon-Young expresses restless agitation in his music, voicing discontent towards ‘the English’ and lamenting about the lack of female equivalents to men. Simultaneously, Lynch stirs our emotions with her soothing melodies, offering songs like Wouldn’t It Be Loverly? While Seadon-Young fuels the performances with his fervent dynamism, Lynch softens our feelings with her serene tunes.

Additionally, she possesses a self-reliant attitude that’s at once gentle and sharp, surprising Higgins with her tough, street-smart resistance.

As the boisterous old man, Furst orchestrates two splendid Cockney parties, the popular tunes With A Little Bit Of Luck and Get Me To The Church On Time among them. He’s never anything but a sturdy, unrefined character, stubbornly holding out against the encroachment of middle-class values, even when he finds himself suddenly wealthy through an inheritance.

Michael TAYLOR’s stage design and costumes create an impressive show on the spacious Curve stage, moving seamlessly between the grandiose pillars of Covent Garden and the eccentric interior of Higgins’ Wimpole Street house. This house is an unusual blend of chaos and curiosity – a messy lair with more bohemian trinkets than bourgeois elegance, complete with winding staircases and a hoarder’s collection of paintings, notes, and scraps.

Instead of Harrison who keeps a meticulous appearance, Henry tends to be less formal, even serving champagne from his teeth as he triumphantly celebrates his wager when Eliza is crowned the social event’s beauty queen.

Beyond just being a friend, Colonel Pickering’s bond with Minal Patel, an Indian colonel, brings a global perspective to their interactions. This friendship also offers Colonel Pickering the opportunity to showcase elegant Eastern attire. Moreover, there seems to be a hint of something more than ordinary camaraderie between Pickering and Higgins, suggesting a unique, potentially romantic undercurrent in their relationship.

However, it doesn’t exaggerate its uniqueness, offering a revitalizing take on aspects often overlooked by other performances.

Was the orchestra perhaps adding a jazzy rhythm to that beautiful composition, or was I just daydreaming? Regardless, I’ll be buying tickets for the concert first thing tomorrow… let’s make sure we don’t miss it at the Curve!

■ Until January 4.

A perky pair of pop-filled pantos with a twist

Napoleon: Un Petit Pantomime (Jermyn Street Theatre, London)

Verdict: French fancy

This playfully absurd comedy, penned and orchestrated by John Savournin, offers a tale about Napoleon Bonaparte (portrayed by Matthew Kellett), which barely touches upon historical truth.

The storyline goes like this: With the assistance of the spirit of Marie Antoinette, portrayed by Rosie Strobel, Bonnie is attempting to swipe a priceless gem from King George III, played by Elliot Broadfoot. On the other hand, George III is striving to demonstrate his sanity amidst these theft attempts.

In a thrilling, bizarre escapade filled with disguises, a mysterious artifact from Lord Nelson, and a secret vault hidden beneath a public restroom in London, it is Georgiana (Amy J. Payne), the King’s daughter, and the Duke of Wellington (Jennie Jacobs) who step in to save the day.

To be honest, this production is more of a musical comedy, featuring elements of audience interaction and an effort to incorporate a call-and-response format that gives the term ‘pantomime’ in the title a loose connection. However, it doesn’t detract from the fun factor, given its abundance of jokes.

As a devoted admirer, I find that Lucy Fowler’s design masterfully maximizes the limited area, making it both functional and visually appealing. David Eaton’s ingenious spin on popular tunes infuses the production with a delightful energy, while the ensemble’s powerful vocal performances are nothing short of exceptional.

Aladdin (Lyric Hammersmith, London)

Verdict: Poppy fun

This year’s Lyric production, penned by Sonia Jalaly and helmed by Nicholai La Barrie, maintains its tradition of infusing pantomimes with a local flavor. As expected, it’s set in the vibrant Shepherd’s Bush Market, where Widow Twerkey runs her laundromat. Here, Aladdin, her son, crosses paths with Princess Jasmine (Aleyna Mohanraj), who is seeking a taste of real life outside her castle.

In a refreshing departure from conventional pantomime, this storyline undergoes a modern transformation (for example, Abanazaar might be Jasmine’s wicked stepfather). Instead, it leans more towards a musical drama, inviting the audience to join in and enjoy tunes by Olivia Rodrigo and Cardi B.

As Aladdin, Andre Antonio delivers a powerful performance; Andrew Pepper convincingly portrays the villainous Abanazaar; and Emmanuel Akwafo gracefully embodies the role of Widow Twerkey.

good teeth’s costume and set designs, especially the Dame’s initial attire – a voluminous white fabric resembling soap bubbles, complete with appliqued laundry machine doors at the back – are quite captivating.

The script doesn’t sparkle but the music, under the direction of Adam Gerber, does.

■ Until January 5.

Veronica Lee 

Ring in the season with two circus spectaculars

La Clique (Leicester Square Spiegeltent, London)

Verdict: Be a part of it

Thursford Christmas Spectacular 2024 (Thursford, Norfolk)

Verdict: All the trimmings

Celebrating Christmas in London can be quite a lively experience, especially when you include La Clique, a surprising cabaret that originated at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2004. Now, they’re putting on a special holiday show as part of their 20th anniversary celebration within Leicester Square’s Spiegeltent.

Within the charming miniature pop-up stage, the noise of the square vanishes, replaced by the pulsing rhythm of circus tunes. From there, a thrilling 90-minute journey begins, encompassing everything from acrobatic skating to daring feats on flaming ladders to excerpts from steamy literature – you never know just how adventurous or daring La Clique will be.

It’s playful, glitzy, and amusing, yet carries an edge of risk – especially for those in the first row as they seem quite close to the fire. It’s like experiencing Christmas with a mischievous twinkle, as if being offered a spirited drink by an intriguing acquaintance.

Celebrating Christmas in the countryside presents a unique experience, especially near Little Snoring village, in Norfolk, where you’ll find the Thursford Christmas Spectacular. Originally starting as a steam engine museum in 1977, it has transformed into an impressive musical variety show held inside a renovated barn. The event boasts a cast of around 130 performers, with comedian Lloyd Hollett serving as the host.

Here at this venue, you won’t find any perils, except perhaps the mountain bikes occasionally obstructing the aisles during one performance. Instead, we extend an open invitation to leave all your worries behind as you step inside. This West End-inspired production unfolds across three hours, with the initial segment brimming with Christmas melodies, humor, and exhilarating bike stunts. The second half delves deep into the holiday spirit, featuring a 32-piece orchestra that graces the stage for an enchanting medley of carols and songs from popular musicals.

In the open air, the holiday cheer persists as if it’s actually Christmas Eve; consider having a festive music playlist nearby to prolong that atmosphere even after leaving the parking lot.

■ La Clique runs until January 5; Thursford Christmas Spectacular until December 23.

Robin Wiggs  

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2024-12-06 05:15