Following on from their slightly risqué production of Avenue Q, Lichfield Operatic Society chose the tried and tested My Fair Lady for their production this week at the Garrick.
This Lerner and Loewe classic has long been a firm favourite with performers and audiences alike, and this production just proved that some of the 'old' ones are the best.
Emma Hill, making her debut as production director, brought freshness to the story of the cockney flower girl who becomes a lady.
This production fused great acting and singing, threw in some sparking choreography and some amazingly-slick set changes and was backed by a superb orchestra.
We just couldn't ask for more.
From the opening scene in Covent Garden, Vickie Beck enchanted the audience as Eliza Doolittle. From cockney to posh, she didn't falter – a truly captivating performance.
James Pugh, as Colonel Pickering, brought his considerably comedic antics to the role, providing a lot of laughs.
Chris Stanley as dustman Alfred Doolittle, Dan Anketell as Harry and Patrick Jervis as Jamie made for a talented trio of rogues.
The principals were more than ably supported by a plethora of performers and a sparkling ensemble.
But the stand-out performance for me came from Richard Poynton as Professor Higgins. Some fine acting, superb characterisation and exceptional stage presence. And he could sing too.
Congratulations to all concerned in this show, including the production team headed by Emma Hill, musical director David Easto and choreographer Jessica Lambert.
My Fair Lady runs at the Lichfield Garrick until Saturday (29th September).
The company's next presentation is A Night at the Movies at Lichfield Guildhall on Sunday December 9.