My Fair Lady
My Fair Lady
St. Austell Amateur Operatic Society
Keay Theatre
Spring is definitely here and with it the welcome return of the annual lavish production by St. Austell A.O.S.
Their choice for 2010 is the classic favourite My Fair Lady and they have surely produced another winner. New to St. Austell, but certainly not to theatre, is this year’s Director Nick Lawrence who brings a wealth of knowledge both on and off the boards. Also new, is Maureen Pascoe who choreographed brilliantly – hardly surprising, with her own dance school and having been a long standing member of the Duchy Ballet Company since it’s inception. With Musical Director, popular young musician Anna Minear, the all important music was guaranteed to be in safe hands.
As with all good local productions, the stage was filled with much loved and familiar faces, Jonathan Tucker turns in a fine performance as Professor Higgins and Mark Whitwood makes a splendid Col. Pickering. Kim Rowe is a marvellous rough diamond as Eliza’s father, Karen Mitchell is wonderful as the caring and long suffering Mrs. Pearce. Fine performances too from Charlotte Dawber, Paul Pearce, Alison Thomas, Kay Harcourt and James Turner. All shine brightly, but casting Camilla Soper as Eliza was an inspired move. Camilla breathes life into this charming part, making a perfect transformation from East End flower seller to ‘proper lady’ – simply wonderful.
St. Austell AOS continue to have a sound and strong chorus line to support the main characters. They are also fortunate in their back room help, with an amazingly versatile set and beautifully designed costumes giving ‘My Fair Lady’ everything required for a stunning show.
For ticket details call 01726 226777 or visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/thekeay
Sheila Vanloo
April 2010
