The production continues to play at the theatre until the 5th September.
The Guardian: “There is still smoothness, particularly in Stephen Mear’s choreography which becomes more marvellous, the ensemble becoming church bells during Get Me to the Church on Time, which hails in Alfred Doolittle’s dreaded wedding. In Higgins’ song, A Hymn to Him, movement aids irony – he sings his words (“why can’t a woman be more like a man”) even as the housekeeper – a woman – buttons his shirts and serves him egg and soldiers alongside three smarting maids. There is humour in the infatuated Freddy (Ben Culleton) too and his infernal letter-writing, and the singing is top notch across the board.”
All That Dazzles: “Direction by Rachel Kavanaugh pays respect to the grand nature of the show whilst also embracing the eccentricities and potential awkwardness surrounding the language used and old-fashioned attitudes to class and relationships between men and women.”
Theatre & Tonic: “So in summary, I praise without hesitation the calibre of both performances and musicality of, and, in the show, and I’m positive it will be a great success, but, in all honesty, I left disappointed in the visual reimagination of some of the most beloved set pieces in musical theatre.”
The Spy in the Stalls: “Beautifully staged and driven by Lerner and Loewe’s unforgettable score, Kavanaugh’s revival reminds us why My Fair Lady has endured for almost seventy years. Beneath the elegance and humour is a story that continues to question whether transformation comes from changing how others see you or from discovering your own sense of self.”
WhatsOnStage: “Hadley Fraser’s Higgins is all frenetic energy and obtuse chauvinism. As ill-mannered as he is charming, Fraser ramps up the spoilt child in Higgins as he stamps his feet and wails at not getting his own way. He sneers and growls as he prowls the stage like a snarling animal at times. His realisation of becoming “accustomed to her face” is genuinely lovely to watch. Fraser commands the comedy and fully commits to delivering his numbers in full voice.”
Theatre South East: “I thoroughly enjoyed this revival and felt that it perfectly captured the Elizas journey as well as examining the importance of class and societal expectations in comparison with just treating people ‘well’. I would heartily recommend this production and “with a little bit of luck” I can see My Fair Lady achieving the success of previous Chichester Festival Theatre revivals such as Oliver.”
The Telegraph: “Director Rachel Kavanaugh delivers the original score with charming simplicity. The singing is gorgeous and the choreography top-notch.”
British Theatre Guide: “Special mention too for Ben Culleton as Freddie Eynsford Hill—in love with love! Belinda Lang as Higgins’s mother, despairing of her son. Finty Williams as housekeeper Mrs Pearce looking after Liza as well as her employer in a motherly fashion. But all the cast are amazing, and the excellent 14-piece orchestra, under the direction of Cat Beveridge, not only follows the action but emphasises particular points with split-second timing.”
West End Best Friend: “This is three hours of pure theatrical pleasure with a wonderful cast, rich and perfect sound mix, clever staging and fresh inventive choreography that shows off the brilliant score and transformational narrative to perfection. As Higgins tells us, “Eliza you were magnificent” and as Eliza reminds us, “I’m a good girl I am!” and they are both right. Go see this brilliant production!”
London Theatre 1: “Never mind Eliza Doolittle – I could have danced all night myself. Here’s hoping for another West End transfer, and for more set if it does come to the capital. It’s a strong cast, and it’s a show worth seeing.”
Jonathan Baz Reviews: ” Kavanaugh is supported by creative genius. Stephen Mear’s choreography is spectacular and, as always, conceived and drilled to perfection – highlights being the refined elegance of the Embassy Ball along with the equally ballsy cockney swagger of Get Me To The Church On Time. The other creative ace in the pack is Howard Harrison’s stunning lighting. With so much of the action playing out late at night and into dawn, Harrison has arranged opposite banks of spotlights to suggest the whiteness of moonlight and the golden hues of the sun. It makes for a classy visual touch. Perched atop the stage, Cat Beveridge’s 14-piece orchestra are terrific.”
To book tickets visit: https://www.cft.org.uk/events/my-fair-lady