Molly Lynch is captivating

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the press night for My Fair Lady at Curve Leicester, and it was simply delightful! With a powerful cast and an enchanting set, this production is a visual treat that truly captures the spirit of the classic story.

First off, the set design by Michael Taylor is simply gorgeous! Having caught a glimpse of it a few months ago, seeing it in all its stunning glory was phenomenal. The intricate details make the stage feel alive, almost as if it’s a character in its own right. It creates this enchanting bubble where characters pop up in upstairs windows and march through the audience. I particularly loved the little touches, like when a character exits 27a Wimpole Street through one door and seamlessly walks out of another, or after the incredible performance of “On The Street Where You Live” is finished, we see Djavan Van De Fliert sitting outside the front door still. It’s those simple yet brilliant details that add layers to the storytelling.

Now, onto the leading lady—Eliza Doolittle played by Molly Lynch is captivating. From the get-go, she had me on her side. I adored her fresh take on Eliza, which felt wonderfully exaggerated yet relatable, perfectly suited for festive theatre. But, it was her vocals that stunned. She delivers jaw dropping performances of “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”. “I Could’ve Danced All Night” and “The Rain in Spain”. She brought so much life to the role. Meanwhile, Henry Higgins (David Seadon-Young) took a bit of time for me to warm up to. While his singing and delivery were on point, his character isn’t the most loveable. He provides a stroppy man baby playing with his dolls as opposed to a stern professor. He’s hilarious to watch with his quirky mannerisms, but let’s be real—I wasn’t exactly rooting for him. The girl power in me wished Doolittle would’ve told Higgins where to stick it! Minal Patel offers a goofy Colonel Pickering and offers some fabulous comedy.

Steve Furst as Alfred P Doolittle was another highlight of the evening. His energy and comedic timing were nothing short of fantastic. Whenever he was on stage, there was an infectious smile on my face; he brought such joy and humour to the production.

This show really knows how to utilise Curve’s enormous stage, making every foot tap and twirl feel like a grand spectacle. Whether it’s a lively pub scene or the more elegant embassy ball (the costumes at that ball were breathtaking) the choreography adds a layer of exuberance that is hard to resist.

My only critique would be the relationship between Higgins and Eliza feels somewhat ambiguous, often lacking an authentic connection. It’s clear that the production leans heavily into the comedic aspects. In 2024, the storyline certainly has its flaws, especially regarding gender dynamics, but the show itself is anything but flawed.

To sum it all up, My Fair Lady is a loverly watch this Christmas season at Curve Leicester, and it runs until January 4, 2025. Don’t miss your chance to experience this visually stunning production filled with laughs and heart.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️