12:07pm Thursday 22nd May 2008
By Jackie Davies
Christchurch Music Society received a warm reception from a very appreciative audience for their current production, My Fair Lady running at the hall until Saturday.
In his directorial debut, Graham Bryant proved unafraid of a challenge and along with Jane Scott masterfully led a large cast through the twists and turns of thisclassic plot.
Lerner and Loewe's musical has stayed true to Shaw's Pygmalion, the play on which it's based.and the now infamous score which includes Get Me to the Church On Time, I Could Have Dance All Night, The Street Where You Live and I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face masterfully complements the complex themes of relationships,morality and womens' place in society, which are at its core.
Having established that this is far more than just a romantic comedy, it follows then that its success depends enormously on the chemistry between its leading characters, Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins.
Sian Williams and Andrew Griffiths more than rise to the occassion.
Transforming beautifully from cockney flowergirl to charming socialite, Sian ticks all the boxes whilst Andrew's intellectual yet sociallyhapless, Higgins is both convincing and endearing.
Graham Bryant provides the comic relief with a well-studied Colonel Pickering whilst Matthew McCabe almost threatens to steal the limelight as dim yet harmless Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Well choreographedand full of the rousing choruses of which the company are fond, this musicalproves the perfect vehicleto showcasetheir talents.
Don't miss it.
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