My Fair Lady At Mayflower Theatre, Southampton Review

Reviewed by Lilybean Davis

When I was a little girl, my mum introduced me to the 1964 film musical “My Fair Lady’ staring
Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. I totally fell in love with the music, singing and dancing. So
when I was invited to review the latest theatre production touring the UK I was thrilled although
somewhat apprehensive. As with all well-received film adaptations, would the show match up?

Well I needn’t have worried. I can honestly say it is one of the best shows I have seen in years. I
was completely blown away. This production of Lerner & Loewe’s “My Fair Lady” is currently on
its UK tour, where the latest stop is Southampton; at the Mayflower Theatre.

My Fair Lady tells the tale of a feisty yet lovable flower seller, Eliza Doolitle, from Covent Garden
who meets a wealthy gentleman by the name of Henry Higgins. Henry, a professor of phonetics,
along with another expert in the field Colonel Hugh Pickering, set themselves the task of turning
Eliza Doolittle in to a lady, correcting her speech. We follow them on their journey together,
through the highs and the lows. The final test is The Embassy Ball where she must convince those
of high society and royalty that she is in fact a Lady. She, of course, passes with flying colours,
but at what cost?

Under Bartlett Shers’ direction the show is fast paced and captivating. With a creative and
imaginative set design, never seen before, including a spinning 360 degree house set piece and another scene showing 3 enormous chandeliers, it was spectacular. At times, it was easy to forget we were watching a theatre show. It felt more like a movie set!

Michael D. Xavier, as Henry Higgins, was just wonderful. Playing the arrogant professor with an air of contempt and eccentricity, we couldn’t help but love him. His voice was strong and smooth
and I could have listened to him all evening. As an award winning West-End and Broadway star
we would expect nothing less.

His co-star Charlotte Kennedy, as Eliza Doolittle blew us away from the moment she belted out
her first note. We knew we were in for a treat. Her beautiful voice was matched by perfect comedic timing, a winning combination. She was simply “loverly”.

Adam Woodyatt returns to musical theatre as the lovable Alfred. P. Doolittle and absolutely stole
the show with the musical number “I’m getting married in the morning’. The applause following
this raucous and hilarious number was immense and prolonged.

Lesley Garrett, as the lovable Mrs Pearce was a real treat. With exacerbated looks and the
banging of doors, she played the frustrated housekeeper with ease.

The costumes throughout the show were magnificent. The show, being set is 1912, shows us all element of traditional dress. Eliza changes her costume 10 times during the show and her
Embassy Ball gown alone has over 1000 beads sewn on.

This show was just spectacular. With musical numbers such as “I could have danced all night”,
“On the street where you live”, “Just you wait” and “Wouldn’t it be loverly?”, the show was truly a
delight to watch. A must-see!

Rating: 5/5

The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton.
12th January to 29th January 2023
Nightly at 7.00pm, Saturday Matinee at 2.30pm
Tickets start from £25 and can be purchased at http://www.mayflower.org.uk/