Players Theatre, Thame: Pygmalion ****
3:31pm Thursday 13th March 2008
Many remember the classics by their musical adaptations, West Side Story, Kiss Me Kate, My Fair Lady to name a few, but the original interpretation of Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, presented by the Thame Players, was both funny and extremely entertaining, telling the story of the flower girl rescued from poverty and turned into a lady.
Newcomer Alison Hulett was delightful as Eliza Dolittle with Mark Williams as her insensitive mentor portraying an impressive Professor Higgins. Both Ian Cleare and Frances Lord as Colonel Pickering and Mrs Pearce respectively played their parts well. Val Cockayne made a distinguished Mrs Higgins and June Garland was imposing as Mrs Eynsford Hill.
Jamie Burridge was Freddy- the romantic element - with Julia Roitt as Clara, but an accolade must go to Steve Lambell who gave a superb performance as Alfred Doolittle.
Directed by Simon Baynes, the pace was a trifle slow at times but this may have been due to first night nerves. On the whole it was a really enjoyable performance with a clever set which was up to their usual standard together with atmospheric music. The costumes were beautiful including a Pearly King and Queen.
Once again Thame Players have offered an excellent rendition of a classic story.