Get Me to the Theatre on Time: My Fair Lady officially opens at the London Coliseum 

My Fair Lady returns to the West End stage bigger and better than ever at the London Coliseum, featuring the English National Opera orchestra playing Frederick Loewe’s musical score.  

My Fair Lady tells the story Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who makes a bet that he can transform her into a “proper lady.” Featuring iconic songs such as “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly”, “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “Get Me to the Church on Time.” 

Firstly, the orchestrations of this show must be praised, and this is emphasised by the ENO orchestra and its size. The music stands out throughout the whole performance, whether it is during a big number or just simply playing in the background of a scene. Each note is perfectly placed and performed, with musical themes matching each character. The score is classic musical theatre, golden-age bliss that brings a warm sense of nostalgia, yet it is still unique, with different beats and musical timing.  

Amara Okereke is a heavenly songbird (ironically) as Eliza Doolittle. Her voice warms you up like a summer’s day and yet she can still portray the rough side of Doolittle to perfection. She truly captures her character and has expect comedic timing. Doolittle can be a tad annoying with her exclamations at the start of the show, but this is all part of her character and emphasises her transformation. Harry Hadden-Paton returns to the role of Henry Higgins, after playing the role at Lincoln Centre Theater in 2018. Higgins is such a fun character that Hadden-Paton captures perfectly. Even though he’s a flawed character, you fall in love with his snappy, witty remarks that seem to insult anyone near. His musical numbers are fuelled with different beats, and contrast in character as well as numerous humorous moments. The pair work well together and show the tumultuous relationship between the two.  

Other standouts were Maureen Beattie as Mrs Pearce, who had a great stage presence and comedic timing, and Stephen K Amos as Alfred P Doolittle, who lit up the stage with his rendition of “Get Me to the Church on Time”. The whole cast was filled with such talent, they filled the Coliseum with their outstanding vocals and choreography.