My Fair Lady at The Mill at Sonning Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Joanna Woodburn
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, Lerner and Loewe’s much loved classic musical adaptation, My Fair Lady is now proudly performing at the Mill at Sonning Theatre and what a show it is! Director and co-choreographer, Joseph Pitcher has successfully brought together all the hallmarks of a gold star ‘loverly’ production which is guaranteed to delight audiences across the generations
The Mill at Sonning Theatre is the definition of a comforting place to be during the festive season. Being one of the UK’s only dinner theatres, customers are treated to a delicious pre show meal under the splendid wooden beams of the old Mill before the show. Uniquely, at the Mill, all productions are created here from start to finish and this element also seems to add to the overall intimate and special ambience within. Certainly, the hordes of returning customers to this special venue is a testament to the Mill’s unique theatre experience.
My Fair Lady tells the tale of poor, feisty Cockney flower seller, Eliza Doolittle (Simbi Akande), who, we first see, initially, longing for a better life with the absolute belter of an opening song with ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly’. Akande’s vocals are note-perfect and exquisite and we instantly know we can settle into our seats for a superb night of entertainment. Eliza is taken under the wing of renowned linguistic expert Henry Higgins (Nadim Naaman) as he embarks on something of a project to turn her into a lady of nobility. The cantankerous Higgins is most competently portrayed by Naaman, who, with great stage presence, brings both depth and wit to the complex character of Higgins.
The production really showcases the talents of the exceptional and hard working cast who sweep us along with their energy from start to finish. With live music, (banjos, accordions, violins!) brilliant singing and breathtaking choreography, the effects are mesmerising. There are so many joyous visual moments that at times, it is hard to take it all in. Mark Moraghan commands the stage as lovable rogue, Alfred P. Doolittle, and his ‘With a Little Bit of Luck’ number was, for me, a personal highlight and just as an aside, the comic timing with the bin lids was genius – Moraghan gifts the audience many laugh out loud moments.
The auditorium at the Mill seems to be designed perfectly for the show, although there is an intimacy to the experience, the show also feels expansive, with all the elements of a sleek, big, classic production. The scene changes are flawless and the authentic stage design is impressive.
Overall, the production shows that the charm of My Fair Lady continues to endear to modern audiences. The show is magnificent, with a terrific cast, brimming with energy, enthusiasm and talent. With one glorious song after another, the overall result is a delightful ‘loverly’ Christmas cracker of a show!
Rating: 5/5
My Fair Lady at the Mill at Sonning Theatre, runs from 20th November 2025 – 17th January 2026, for more information or to book tickets visit millatsonning.com