My Fair Lady
One thing I'll never forget: Fergus Logan (CATS video Tumblebrutus) hopping across the stage as a jockey with
shockingly buffed up trousers, a blue-white striped shirt and a riding helmet; then walking about with a gait
of someone who is only used to ever sitting astride a horse (that's what you might call bandy-legged) -- he was
hilarious!
I must admit I never much liked Higgins, that hasn't changed. I prefer the end of "Pygmalion" therefore. Good
performances throughout - during all the ensemble numbers I was solely trying to spot one person though -- Kenny
Linden (Admetus/Macavity in CATS).
It was lovely to see him again; he told Feli and me later that another swing and himself were covering for no less
than four different ensemble parts between them.
Kenny played a costermonger, directing people about with a stately, reserved manner; then he made the perfect butler,
serving refreshments at the Ball with composed mien and manner. And at the races, he went from taking bets to being
the epitome of the English gentleman as he led a lady to her seat, moments later he appeared again as a waiter to take
away someone's tea. At least I'm pretty sure that was him.
It was hard to make out faces as Feli and I were in the Upper Circle, therefore pretty far away from the stage.
I really loved the scene in front of the pub where Kenny danced with a dustbin lid bound to his foot. Impromptu fun,
looked - and sounded - quite cool, and it's always a treat to see him dance. Pity he didn't get to sing, he did have
a few spoken lines if I'm not mistaken though.
The staging was very clever, the set -- though elaborate and large -- never taking the focus away from the performers,
and the lighting was applied well. There were lines similar to conveyor belts on the front part of the stage (two I
think) on which people and props were moved about from one scene into the other and where it was possible to actually
'run past' something.
I loved Higgins' mother (Caroline Blakiston), she was marvellously interpreted, so was the Hungarian (Nathan Harmer;
who made me smile constantly) and Pickering (Malcolm Sinclair) was just plain huggable. But then, I've always liked
him far more than Higgins. Which I've probably mentioned before ;D. Higgins (Alex Jennings) had a good voice and he
was very convincing, though I hate that macho attitude in the character. Sure, it was the time and all, but I just
don't like it… Eliza (Joanna Riding) had a freshness, her voice was a tad too soft at times, but I thought she was
wonderful and did a fabulous job with the accent.
STAGE DOOR:
Fergus came out first, in a hurry, a few moments later, Kenny appeared. He saw Feli and came towards her smiling.
He's incredibly charming and very nice, perfect gentleman ;D. I was standing there, pretty much speechless,
but thanks to Feli's interjection I got an autograph *beams*.
Questions, comments and suggestions can be directed to me at
ferngully_at@yahoo.com.