When this revival of My Fair Lady first opened at the National Theatre, I grouched only that it was opening at the National, not in the West End where it belonged and was indeed headed all along. There was, too, subsequently lots more grouching about the reliability of the much-heralded star, Martine McCutcheon, who I noted in my original review had already missed the final preview and went on to miss more performances at the National than she actually gave.
But all of that is history now; and with the show long installed at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane - the same address that the original production was seen at in 1958 - it now moves onto its second cast change since it opened as seamlessly as it accomplished the first.
The Olivier-award winning McCutcheon and Jonathan Pryce were first succeeded by Joanna Riding and Alex Jennings, both of whom went on to take Oliviers this year for their performances as a result. Now it's the turn of a vivacious young talent Laura Michelle Kelly and Anthony Andrews, the latter making a rare but commanding stage appearance and his first, as far as I can work out, in a musical. (By an interesting coincidence, his Brideshead Revisited co-star, Jeremy Irons, is also starring in a musical, A Little Night Music, at New York City Opera). Though it's still very early in the season, the Society of London Theatres could start engraving their Oliviers now - or at least ensuring their names are on the nominations lists.
Theirs are both wonderfully accomplished, deeply felt performances that, under the direction of Trevor Nunn, dig below the musical comedy surface of this relationship of unequals. The power balance is dramatically shifted between them when Eliza Doolittle claims her independence and Professor Henry Higgins loses his and admits in the yearning soliloquy of "I've Grown Accustomed to Her Face" that she actually means something to him.
But Nunn's production, which as ever is full of social and dramatic detail throughout, gloriously conjures the London milieu of 1910 with Anthony Ward's luxurious designs and Matthew Bourne's ravishing choreography. It is also now newly animated by a supporting cast of one-time leading actors like Stephen Moore, Hannah Gordon and Russ Abbot (as Higgins' sidekick Colonel Pickering, Henry's mother and Eliza's father, respectively), all of them aging powerfully into character parts that they perform characterfully.
To paraphrase Dr Samuel Johnson, when a man is tired of My Fair Lady, he is tired of musicals. It remains a must-see.
NOTE: The following review dates from May 2002 and the second cast from this production.
When a show has undergone a major cast change, it's traditional to expend large portions of any review to subtly moaning that, while the new principals may be adequate (or even good), they don't quite measure up to the originals. Well, I have to admit I didn't see the first cast of My Fair Lady and so have no idea how the current lot truly compare. That said, it's hard for me to imagine how any of them could possibly be bettered - they are all, quite simply, superb.
My Fair Lady has to be one of the very best nights out in town. Alan J Lerner's classic musical, based on George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, is of course the story of cantankerous professor, Henry Higgins, and his transformation of common flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, into the toast of high society. And Trevor Nunn's direction rubberstamps his reputation as a genius interpreter of musicals - this is as close to perfection as it gets on a London stage.
Alex Jennings - taking over from Jonathan Pryce (a very hard act to follow indeed) and bringing a new boyishness Higgins in the process - is a highly watchable mix of overbearing ogre, spoilt brat and repressed romantic. Given the Jennings' long list of award-winning credits, his impressive acting is hardly surprising. More surprising, particularly considering that this is his musical theatre debut, is his first-class and full-bodied singing voice.
The job of melting the grouchy professor's heart falls to Joanna Riding's Eliza Doolittle, who is also the pawn in a linguistic bet waged between Higgins and his buffoonish but ever-polite friend Colonel Pickering (played with panache by a scene-stealing Malcolm Sinclair). Riding invests Doolittle with all the necessary playfulness, frustration and, after her transformation, elegance to win both Higgins and the audience over completely. Hers is a demanding role, both dramatically and vocally, and Riding does not put a foot wrong.
Elsewhere, Peter Prentice is likeable as young Freddy and Dilys Laye a stalwart Mrs Pearce, while Dennis Waterman continues to shine with distinction as Eliza's wily dustman father. The rest of the ensemble, tight choreography and opulent (but in no way gimmicky) set remain top notch too.
In fact, everything about My Fair Lady oozes quality.
- Daniel Routledge
Note: The following review dates March 2001 and the production's original run at the National Theatre.
When it comes to classic musicals, My Fair Lady is as good as it gets - and Trevor Nunn's production of it is better than it usually gets.
Quite why it needed the safe haven of the subisidised National Theatre, however, is another question, because - not unlike Oklahoma!, the last musical Nunn directed on the South Bank - it is already headed towards the West End after its sold out Lyttelton run. So don't despair if you can't get a ticket. But with the National merely raiding the catalogue of shows that Cameron Mackintosh has previously revived commercially, and in partnership with whom these new productions have been so handsomely done, how long can it be before the theatre turns itself over to Julian Slade's Salad Days?
At least Lerner and Loewe's 1956 show remains the Rolls Royce of Broadway musical theatre's golden age: it is a meticulously crafted, utterly seamless musicalisation of a classic play (Shaw's Pygmalion) that actually improves on its source material. (It's impossible to watch the play anymore without constantly anticipating the musical's song cues).
It's difficult, however, to spring any surprises with it either, nowadays: like the aforementioned Rolls, it gives a smooth, safe, solid ride, at once luxurious and dependable, but also fundamentally unexciting. Nevertheless, in an age of musicals like Notre-Dame de Paris and Napoleon, such virtues are not to be dismissed lightly.
The ceaseless pleasures of hearing this score again are many (and with new orchestrations by William Brohn, much of it comes up as freshly minted, too). One needs merely to be reminded of such song titles as "Wouldn't It Be Loverly?" and "I Could Have Danced All Night" to bathe in a warm glow.
That isn't dissipated by former EastEnder turned pop star Martine McCutcheon's rendition of either of those songs, even if she is not quite the hoped-for triumph as Eliza Doolittle. In a last minute bit of high drama, the actress succumbed to a dose of the flu the night before the opening and had to miss the show; on press night, she only missed some high notes, which emerged as a little shrill at times.
As the elocution teacher, Henry Higgins, who transforms her from a Covent Garden flower girl into a society duchess, Jonathan Pryce acts with his usual authority, and brings an unusual sympathy to this bombastic part.
Nunn's production also fields a superb ensemble around the star turns, and it's constantly ravishing to the eye with Anthony Ward's realistic sets and stylised costumes. Matthew Bourne, the choreographer of Adventures in Motion Pictures renown, returns to the South Bank, for the first time since he worked behind the counter in the foyer bookshops, to offer a notably equine Ascot Gavotte but elsewhere follows the staging patterns familiar from the film.
All in all, the result is a highly enjoyable evening. Loverly.
its crap all of u r mad saying its good - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.3.0.42)
25 Sep 03
its the best iv seen - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.3.0.42)
25 Sep 03
Wonderful. It's a pity it's closing. I would have gone again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.171)
29 Aug 03
Guess it was someones opinion just like yours buddy-No more or less warrented than yours!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (64.12.97.13)
28 Aug 03
What a wonderful show this is. Where did all the cattiness of some of the reviews come from? I for one had the night of my life!!!Total awe for the stunning performances and scenery. A night to remember. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.171)
23 Aug 03
The best show ive ever seen in London. Beautifully staged..wonderfully performed..and as someone said, CLASSY. NNo other show in london can touch it. better than rubbish like the Lion King. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.13)
17 Aug 03
WOW. WHAT AN AMAZING SHOW. DONT MISS IT. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.13)
the best musical ive ever seen. Classy and elegant. the only truly great show in London. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.34.13)
17 Aug 03
WHAT HAS THE REVIEW BELOW GOT TO DO WITH THE CURRENT CAST,THAT IS THEATRE DISCUSSION NOT A REVIEW AND MY 1 POINT COUNTER ACTS THE 5 BELOW,AS THAT POSTING AS MINE IS NOW,SHOULD NOT BE ON HERE. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.163.253.102)
13 Aug 03
I Have seen the show so many times now and each time it never falters! I have to say that i have never seen chemistry on stage between two actors as i did when watching Joanna Riding (who was absolutely amazing) and the great Alex Jennings! I really enjoyed their performance and felt that they just played off each other brilliantly: Who said we can't have a younger Higgins? The chemistry wasn't quite the same between Pryce and Riding although they were both brilliant. However, i felt that Pryce wasn't as into it as when i saw him with the award-winning Martine who i have to say gave a bloody amazing performance: She never faltered and was at ease throughout. Her stage presence just shone through! Alex Jay was good the first time round but a bit weak the second time, nevertheless i am sure she is a star in the making: Always being remebered for being Martines understudy! Out of the Eliza's i have seen i have to admit that i felt Joanna Riding gets my vote because she had more experience and knew how to command the stage and work the chemistry better. Martine however is a close, very close, second and you should all watch out for her in the future: She's gonna be big! The sets, costumes, choreography, direction, lighting and everything else was just amazing! Sorry to see it close! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (62.171.194.45)
07 Aug 03
A Bit Disappointed in this show after reading many great reviews,was quite a few understudies on, whom I thought were very unrehearsed and not really up to scratch,so in the unlikely occasion of this been read by Mackintosh! Its NOT the streets etc that are bad, its your show that is overhyped and overpriced.Wish I had seen something else. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (205.188.209.140)
22 Jul 03
I saw it last week with Harry Burton and Laura Michelle Kelly,I felt Harry was dreadful and rushed his lines and was very nervous and after all the praise below about Kelly I thought she was only average certainly does not warrant all the fuss and acolads she has receieved. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.163.253.102)
17 Jul 03
Saw it last wednesday with Harry Burton and Katie Adams in the leads roles and they were poor in my opinion,both seemed to rush their lines as if they wanted it over with as soon as possible and it did finish 10 mins earlier than normal! Goes to prove a show is only as good as who is on the stage on any given day and give the same show such differing views and scores! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.39.197.214)
13 Jul 03
Saw it last wednesday with Harry Burton and Katie Adams in the leads roles and they were poor in my opinion,both seemed to rush their lines as if they wanted it over with as soon as possible and it did finish 10 mins earlier than normal! Goes to prove a show is only as good as who is on the stage on any given day and give the same show such differing views and scores! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.39.197.214)
13 Jul 03
Please take this sensational production on tour; at least to Manchester and Edinburgh, like Miss Saigon when it closed. It is the best show ever to grace a stage. Pure joy! Well done all at NT! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.168.6)
08 Jul 03
JUST SAW THIS AMAZING SHOW AGAIN WITH A FULL CAST,SUCH A SHAME IT IS CLOSING AS 100 TIMES BETTER THAN ANYTHING ELSE ON IN THE WEST END INCLUDING THE INCOMING AG.
ANTHONY ANDREWS GIVES THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME AND LAURA MICHELLE KELLY ,AWESOME PERFORMANCE DEMAND TO SEE HER AND NOT AN ALTERNATE AS YOU WILL NEVER EVER SEE A BETTER ELIZA THAN THIS GIRL AND THE FINAL NOTE ON DANCED ALL NIGHT IS GOOSEBUMP CITY.
WELL DONE CAMERON ,THIS SHOW SETS A NEW LEVEL.
JAMES T. TUES 24/04/03 PERFORMANCE - USER: Whatsonstage.com (205.188.209.140)
25 Jun 03
A wonderful show. Our Eliza was Katie Knight Adams and she was wonderful!!! We felt privileged to be part of such a marvellous experience. Anthony Andrews was more Higgins than Rex Harrison, Russ Abbott was superb and Hannah Gordon portrayed the long suffering Mrs. Higgins to perfection. A truly memorable night. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.92.168.170)
16 Jun 03
Took advantage of Totally London's two-for-the-price-of-one ticket offer to get good seats for £15, even though I've already seen the show twice. I was very pleasantly surprised by Anthony Andrews' performance, although a bit disappointed that Laura Michelle Kelly was off last night - the critics have hailed her as 'the best Eliza', so I wanted to see for myself. However, her understudy was impressive. The audience? Jesus, don't get me started... the idiots behind me with their running commentary at the start of the show and crisps during the performance... the late-comers to my left who just would not shut up... the morons to my right who were making the loudest rustling noises I've ever heard in a theatre. You can't expect to have silence when you've got 2,000 people together - but where are the ushers when you need them to quieten people down and confiscate cameras. Flash photographs during the big songs? Give me strength! Anyway, the show is as lovely as ever - beautifully sung and staged - those sets that effortlessly transform from a London street, booklined study, pub, lavish ball, racecourse... but some of the crowd last night were abso-bloomin'-lutely awful. Andrew B - USER: Whatsonstage.com (193.130.127.205)
12 Jun 03
I generally detest musicals - this is a fabulous exception. Anthony Andrews is a revelation, and for once Colonel Pickering (Stephen Moore) is a fully rounded character. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.158.156.47)
07 Jun 03
First time at a West End Show and thought it was wonderful. Anthony Andrews, Russ Abbott and Hannah Gordon. all terrific and what can be said about Eliza? - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.94.190)
22 May 03
The best show in town by miles and has the best leading lady ever to appear on the west end stage ,the one and only LAURA MICHELLE KELLY. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (64.12.97.13)
19 May 03
the best show ive ever seen- booked again straight after id seen it! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14)
16 May 03
100 STARS! The BEST show in london. amazing- lavish, brilliant....amazing. Do not miss it- closing in august. The west end will be a poorer place without it. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (195.93.50.14)
16 May 03
Surely 'Henry Goodman' should read 'Harry Burton'. He has been the 'alternate' HIGGINS for the last year. Very good too. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.1.21.63)
08 May 03
Really great show all the cast are fab and the chemistry between Laura and Anthony is wonderful.
Shame Laura is not on the cd instead of the screechings of Mc Cutcheon. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (205.188.209.140)
26 Apr 03
LAURA MICHELLE KELLY IS THE GREATEST ELIZA EVER AND SO DOWN TO EARTH AND LOVELY A THE STAGE DOOR TOO!!
A REAL STAR HAS BE BORN - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.34.254.1)
23 Apr 03
Truly excellent! One of the best revivals I have ever seen. The cast are so good their singing sent shivers down my spine, and Trevor Nunn has surpassed himself with his brilliant staging. Top marks must also go to Matthew Bourne for the wonderful dancing and Anthony Ward for his, as usual, amazing designs! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (80.225.204.148)
03 Apr 03
This revival of My Fair Lady is Absolutely Stunning!! Anthony Andrews makes for a brilliant Higgins. Well done Trevor Nunn! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (12.103.239.82)
31 Mar 03
Have now seen the new cast twice and the show is just as great. Have seen Pryce, Jennings twice as well and it is interesting to see the different ways they have all played Higgins. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (192.39.93.40)
26 Mar 03
Macinstosh Webber and Kenwrightthe Bin Laden ,Saddam Hussein, George Bush of producers have a lot to answer for, Isn't there an OffTheatre that regulates them owning all these theatres and putting on there choice of shows, where's the competiton commission, I know a pork butcher who would have done a better job than Trevor Nunn for this tedious show, - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.134.224.253)
26 Mar 03
Funny after each press night WOS attend, another 5 star review appears on most review boards with very little to say either!!Very Odd!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (152.163.189.203)
25 Mar 03
An absolutely enchanting evening. great cast, great voices in a musical theatre classic. I raise my hat to producer and director for putting on such a thoroughly enjoyable evening. worth every penny - USER: Whatsonstage.com (172.183.194.87)
25 Mar 03
The new cast is fantastic and Laura Michelle Kelly is so amzing as Eliza ,her singing voice is 100 times better than all the other Elizas put together.
Russ Abott is more comic than the wooden Dennis Watermnan and his drumming during with a Little luck is brilliant.
Anthony Andrews is an excellent Higgins ,has the snobbery and breeding the other actors just didnt have. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (64.12.97.13)
20 Mar 03
A bit too long and draggy. I sat not too far from the front but the music was dissapointedly low. The character Eliza was performed by this annoying little girl, i can't be bothered to remember her name. Rent, Chicago. Les Mis, Phantom and Mamma Mia are by far the more memorable musicals. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (213.122.182.251)
01 Mar 03
DOWN WITH TREVOR NUNN AND ANY OTHER LAME PRODUCCER WHO DOESN'T GO FOR ANYTHING NEW OR ORIGINAL - USER: Whatsonstage.com (217.44.174.96)
22 Feb 03
I have seen the show a few times now and i have to admit it is just as good, if not better, as the first time i saw it! Although Martine was amazing, you could sense a real chemistry between Alex and Joanna which really worked and made the show a highlight. Yeah its three and a bit hours long but it is well worth it! The show never falters in my opinion and everyone is always on top form. If you haven't seen this show then you are missing out on a real treat! Valentines is coming up soon- take the wife/girlfriend for something different. You won't be sorry! - USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.219.90.69)
30 Jan 03
Saw it last year with Katie Knight Adams, Joanna Riding's understudy, and she was sensational. I was really upset that Riding wasn't going to be on, but Kinght Adams was the best actress I've seen on a west-end stage. Is Henry Goodman really in the cast? I didn't know that, if he is. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (194.105.161.242)
25 Jan 03
Just seen this for the fifth time over the last year, 2 Jonathan Pryce, 2 Alex Jennings and one Henry Goodman. I just love it, will shortly be going again. - USER: Whatsonstage.com (192.39.40.51)
24 Jan 03
The best show in the west end! Joanna Riding was excellent. Alex Jennings too young? I loved this so much due to the class of the production on a whole. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
25 Oct 02
Absoluelty 'luvverly!'. Brilliant show - best in the West End at the moment. go and see it. Alex Jennings and Joanna Riding are superb! The only weakness seemed to be Dennis Waterman. But otherwise great songs, dancing and performers! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
11 Oct 02
I enjoyed it very much. Wonderful chorus numbers and excellent choreography.(I wish there had been more) How did the male ensemble manage to dance with a dustbin lid on their feet without breaking their ankles?? I only wish there had been more for the dancers to do as the whole show lifted when they came on !!!! I loved "With a little bit of luck" and "I'm getting married in the morning". Well done!!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
07 Oct 02
i found this musical badly cast...with the exceptions of alex jennings! the cast lacked talent and were unable to sing and recreate accents convincingly. i was on the whole thoroughly dissappointed. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
28 Sep 02
It's been a long time since I've visited the theatre but this more than made up for the wait. An entrancing and enjoyable production. Alex Jennings was superb, Joanna Riding and Peter Sinclair excellent. The only slight disappointment was Dennis Waterman who appeared a little tired and behind the beat when singing. (Also the theatre was very hot and stuffy) Overall though a cracking night out - USER: Whatsonstage.com
10 Aug 02
This was just a delightful show to watch! The three hours just flew by. Alex Jennings was fantastic as Higgins. His acting and singing were super. All the other company members were fab, full of fun and energy.
But the star of the show was definately Joanna Riding. She was brillant as Eliza: lots of playfulness and also firey emotion. Her voice remarkably switches between so many vocal qualities that you are left amazed at the sound! A truly fantastic show, and definately one to see again! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
14 Jul 02
I saw this with the new cast last week and it is totally tremendous. Alex Jennings is completely brilliant and the whole thing is very very very good. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
31 May 02
OUTSTANDING! THE BEST SHOW IVE +EVER+ SEEN - USER: Whatsonstage.com
30 May 02
a wonderful show. a great night out. You wont be dissapointed. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
30 May 02
500 stars! the best musical in london. classy, funny, elegant, sophisticated- and with a big heart. I was moved and amazed by the sets, costumes and the remarkable performances. Avoid tacky shows like WE WILL ROCK YOU and MAMMA MIA...they just want ya money! This show is worth a million dollars..... - USER: Whatsonstage.com
30 May 02
I have to admit that the only reason I went to see this show was because I got a half price ticket at TKTS (£20.00 for a seat in row R of the stalls). Having said that, the show wasn't too bad. I think it's biggest fault was that it lasted too long - three and a quarter hours and I felt some scenes were dragged out. There were some very funny moments and some great songs, most of which I am familiar with. Although Joanna Riding gave a good performanance I felt that her voice couldn't quite hit the high notes and just faded out out in certain songs. Jonathan Pryce also gave a good performance. This pobably isn't really my kind of show but was worth seeing, although I felt it didn't live up to all the hype that I've read. Go and see Kiss Me Kate instead! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
21 Apr 02
- 10 STARS!! A magnificent production that feels remarkably modern and relevant. Joanna Riding is a joy, as is the whole cast. Beautifully directed, designed and performed. THE BEST MUSICAL IVE SEEN IN LONDON (And ive seen every one for the last 15 years!!) - USER: Whatsonstage.com
21 Feb 02
Like an elaborate confection this show offers nothing but empty calories from beginning to end.
With the working class characters taken from the Dick Van Dyke school of representation right down to the dirt smudged faces and the 'toffs' adopting the usual stereotypes this can only reinforce the class prejudice of which all tourists who see this show believe this country is based.
A huge, slick, mechanical production with no soul - avoid. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
14 Feb 02
Oh dear! One of the most boring I have seen. Difficult to make out what they are saying on stage. Orchestra too quiet to make an impact. It just never gets going apart from the dustbin lid percussion scene. Theatre like an oven. To cap it all Pryce had the night off. Overrated. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
10 Feb 02
What an absolute bore. It runs for over three hours, but it seems like five. The fake London accents made it difficult to understand what the performers were saying. The show is slow and ponderous. Trevor Nunn seems to put scenes in just for the sake of it. A bit more dancing would have helped. It was almost like watching the Jonathon Pryce show.
Sorry, but this has to be the most overrated show in town. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
17 Jan 02
...and 5 more stars!! the BEST show in London by a huge way.......Beautifully performed, designed, choreographed, and directed. Only the national and Cameron could produce a show this classy....DO NOT MISS - USER: Whatsonstage.com
08 Nov 01
I don't think the writer of the review from 25th September, went to the same show I did! Martine was not performing when I went on 28th September (apparently ill again!)and Alexandra Jay stood in for her. However my initial disapointment, gave way to sheer joy as the performance got under way. Miss Jay was superb, as was Jonathan Pryce, the whole production was magnificent! Even my husband(who hates musicals and went under duress for our wedding anniversary) thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a superb night out, utterly brilliant, GO AND SEE IT.....! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
30 Sep 01
TEDIOUS PREDICTABILITY.....god only knows how I managed to stay in my seat for so long, oh Yes!, I remember I fell asleep! (for the last 20 mins). After continual boredom & expectation for the story to move on, the whole audience was wishing, no DEMANDING, that Eliza managed to get her H's correct. The only highlight was the choreography whilst the song "a little bit of luck" was played/sung,...& then they strung an encore out of it.
The positive score I gave was for the pre-meal I had at the Japanese restauarant which salvaged the evening.
What a pile of tosh this performance is. Do NOT go....You have been warned! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
25 Sep 01
Well I finally got to see My Fair Lady on Saturday 22nd sept . And I want to say that Martine was there and in full swing, she was great,and stunning and see looked so much like Audrey Hepburn in that dree. I could hear every word said and sung. So I must say My Fair Lady was My Fair Martine. Johnathon Price,Denis Waterman and the whole cast was wonderful, with superb sets the show show was in fact back where it belongs in Drury lane. Rob - USER: Whatsonstage.com
24 Sep 01
Absolutely wonderful. Jonathan Pryce is superb as Prof. Higgins and Martine was far better than I expected as Eliza - her "Just You Wait, 'Enry 'Iggins" was priceless. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
17 Sep 01
Brilliant. Best show I've seen. Though be warned if your seats are up in the circle there are quite a few flights of steps to climb up. Dennis Waterman's energetic performance stole the show. Jonathan Pryce was mesmerising. I went along on the Monday so Eliza was played by a stand-in (Ms Jay) whose voice was wonderful. My attention span never waned. The choreography, scene changes and support cast were first class. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
16 Sep 01
This was by far the best musical i've seen. The cast is fantastic, especially Martine. May the show run for many years to come, it is just what the west End needs!! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
08 Sep 01
Excellent performance by all the cast but the star of the show without a doubt is Jonathan Pryce. A fantastic night out! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
20 Aug 01
An enchanting production well worth waiting in line for. Having seen the original Broadway production, it was interesting to note that the show never changes if it is finely tuned. For once the production values (brilliant) were matched by an outstanding cast. A jolly good time was had by this American, although the "Stomp" touch to "Little Bit of Luck" distracted from the uniformity of the production. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
06 Aug 01
Stunning. Martine McCutcheon and Jonathan Pryce were brilliant together and Nicholas Le Provost proved a brilliant foil to Pryce. Dennis Waterman tried hard! - USER: Whatsonstage.com
02 Aug 01
Excellent performances by all the cast, especially Martine (when she appears), although at 3 hours it could do with tightening up a bit. - USER: Whatsonstage.com
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