My Fair Lady

I had the misfortune to be present at their matinee performance on Saturday... admittedly I was warned not to go near prompt corner with a 12 foot pole, but I was offered a free ticket and was unaware of who the company was (at the time). Well, it was 3 of the most intolerable hours ever! (and I'm not just being nasty). Think of the worst high school production you've seen then imagine older people, bad singing and a company that dares to call itself "pro-am". From the first number, the singing was wooden, emotionless and generally badly miked. Freddie obviously produced sound through his hand as he was unable to sing without gesturing while Henry Higgins was a camp as a row of tents (with about as much ability) and for some reason spoke almost every line of his songs. Thankfully Eliza warmed up from her completely dead "wouldn't it be luverly" which was deviod of any spark whatsover. Wooden or plastic acting prevailed, and you could see the actors thinking "ok say this, then move here, insert reaction" etc. The choreography was astounding, such technical difficulty!! Seriously, I don't think more than three of tehm knew how to waltz as they all just shuffled in circles and hoped for the best. The audience began to dread Higgin's appearance (and since he's the main character this was somewhat of a problem) and Higgins and Pickering were so obviously in a relationship due to over playing, especially when singing "Why can't a woman be more like a man" yes indeed, why can't Eliza be more like pickering, eh? Costumes were nice, set functional but rather oddly dressed (Higgins' study furnished with asian artifacts). Higgins' mother was excellent however as was Eliza's father, both magnificent exceptions to the rule. Overall possibly the worst amatuer show I've ever seen - plastic, dull, painful featuring some of the most ridiculous chorus acting this side of year 8 drama classes. Stay home and watch the movie instead.

AVOID at all costs($25 for the priveldge I think)


and before the usual "they do it because they love it, how dare you say that" replies. This is an entirely honest review and at least 30 other people there agreed with me (quite a few left half way it was that appalling).