For those not acquainted with this play, it can be briefly summarised by reiterating Professor Higgins instructions to Eliza, a lowly cockney barrowgirl:

"You are to stay here for the next six months learning to speak beautifully, like a lady in a florist's shop. At the end of six months, you will be taken to an embassy ball in a carriage, beautifully dressed. If the king finds out you are not a lady, you will be taken to the Tower of London, where your head will be cut off as a warning to other presumptuous flower girls! If you are not found out, you shall be given a present of six and seven to start life with in a lady's shop."

The production team and directors set themselves an ambitious task when embracing 'My Fair Lady'. The play's witty dialogue and stunning characterisations - not to mention the complex class and gender relationship that calls middle class morality into question - draws on the skill of all the participants. The Magdalen Players bravely faced the challenge and succeeded.

The play demands of the cast the ability to simultaneously dance, sing and act. Although getting off to a slightly rocky start, the cast soon synchronized their efforts and produced a respectable, humorous and enjoyable production. Eliza (Rachel Parris) and Professor Higgins (Gabriel Vick) worked extremely well together and successfully conveyed their changing attitudes towards each other during the play as Eliza learned to 'speak proper' and the Professor learned to act like a gent. More importantly, they retained their dual identities, Eliza maintaining her independent nature in respect to her dreams whilst Higgins continued to scorn society whilst warming up the audience's heart-cockles as the romance continued. Ferdinand Koenig (Alfred Doolittle) gave us a charismatic portrayal of the carefree working class dustman, contrasting nicely with that of Colonel Pickering (Benjamin Smyth) who, although willing to place the bet that stimulates Eliza's education, frets about the consequences upon her person throughout the play.

The production was also considerably enhanced by its accompaniment. The combination of live strings, brass and piano brought out not only the romantic nature of the characters but also the more comical aspects of their personas. Adrian Briggs, the first violinist, in particular brought authority to the play, and was a joy to the ear. The chorus too was extremely talented, each member having moments of excellence throughout the play and working together to form a strong support. Stepping out of the chorus, three voices were distinctive, namely the two housemaids (Genevieve de la Bat Smit & Olivia Macdonald) and Freddy (Rónan Busfield).

Finally, congratulations should be given to the back-stage crew, who created a perfect environment for the characters to develop. In any case, the President's Garden provides an excellent setting, echoing the unspoken romance and underlying beauty found within all lifestyles expressed in the play. First-time outdoor show attendees please note: this evening, shawl and gloves would have been entirely appropriate.

Victoria Nystrom-Marshall, 15.05.03