Bath Light Operatic Group’s production of My Fair Lady appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th September.
The classic stage production will be performed by a thirty-two strong cast from Bath, Bristol, Somerset and Wiltshire, accompanied by a live orchestra. First staged in 1956, before being made into an Academy Award-winning film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison in 1964, Lerner and Loewe’s musical is renowned for its captivating storyline, unforgettable characters and enchanting music.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady tells the heart-warming and humorous tale of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is transformed into an elegant lady by the determined Professor Henry Higgins. Audiences will be transported to early 20th century London, as they witness Eliza’s journey from the bustling streets of Covent Garden to the grandeur of high society.
The original 1956 Broadway production, starring Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison, won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, and set a record for the longest run for any musical on Broadway up to that time. With an unforgettable score by Frederick Loewe, and book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner, My Fair Lady features a host of iconic songs including Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?, Get Me To The Church On Time, I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face, I Could Have Danced All Night and On The Street Where You Live.
Following last year’s sell-out staging of Oliver! and theirrecent critically acclaimed productions of Mack & Mabel, Shrek The Musical and Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Bath Light Operatic Group (BLOG) make a welcome return to the Theatre Royal Bath. Under the skilled direction of Claudia Pepler-White, and with choreography by Alison Price, this year’s production of My Fair Lady promises a fresh perspective on an acclaimed favourite; highlighting the enduring themes of transformation, identity and social mobility, whilst staying true to the original charm and wit of Lerner and Loewe’s show which has captivated audiences for decades. The sumptuous score will be performed by a nineteen-piece live orchestra led by Musical Director Matthew Finch.
The talented local cast features Rob Dallimore as Professor Henry Higgins and Tabitha Cox as Eliza Doolittle. Some of Tabitha’s many previous roles have included Maria in The Sound of Music, Belle in Beauty and the Beast and Maria in West Side Story. She is reunited on stage with Rob after previously playing Nancy to his Fagin in Oliver! – a role which earned Rob a nomination for Best Actor at the Rose Bowl Awards. Rob’s many other diverse roles have also included Bernadette in Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Wilbur in Hairspray. Acclaimed local actor Geoff White plays the role of Alfred P Doolittle, following his recent award-winning portrayal of Mack Sennett in Mack & Mabel, for which he won the Rose Bowl Award for Best Actor in a Musical.
Supported by a dedicated ensemble and a live orchestra, BLOG’s dedicated cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this beloved musical to life. Helen Feierabend, Chairperson for
BLOG said, “Bath Light Operatic Group is delighted to bring My Fair Lady to the historic Theatre
Royal Bath. We are excited to share this timeless story and its beautiful music with our community and visitors. It’s a show that promises to enchant audiences of all ages.”
Claudia Pepler-White has over thirty years’ experience as a director, performer, writer, teacher and producer of theatre. No stranger to local theatre, she specialises in working with community groups and young people, and has won many awards for her work over the years. Claudia is based at Frome’s Merlin Theatre, where she has worked since 2000 and been Artistic Director for the past fourteen years. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, she previously taught A Level and GCSE Drama. Claudia has also been Artistic Director at the Tri.art Theatre School since 2013.
Musical Director Matthew Finch has worked with Bath Light Operatic Group since 1997, first taking on the role as their Musical Director in 1999. He has worked most recently on BLOG’s productions of Oliver! in 2023, Mack & Mabel in 2022, Shrek The Musical in 2019, 42nd Street in 2018, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert in 2017, Annie in 2016, Sister Act in 2015 and Jesus Christ Superstar in 2014 – all at Bath’s Theatre Royal.
Choreographer Alison Price, who is the founder of Bath’s Little Dancers, returns to Bath Light Operatic Group having previously choreographed the company’s 2015 production of Sister Act.
Bath Light Operatic Group was founded in 1948 and first performed at the Theatre Royal Bath in 1956 when they staged The Geisha. One of the most acclaimed amateur companies in the region with a rich history of producing high-quality musical theatre, the group has achieved much critical success. Recent accolades include winning Bristol Post Rose Bowl Awards for their 2022 production of Mack & Mabel and their 2017 production of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, both staged at the Theatre Royal Bath. BLOG is committed to artistic excellence and community engagement, offering a platform for local talent and bringing joy to audiences through the magic of live performance.
My Fair Lady appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 10th to Saturday 14th September. Tickets are on sale at the Theatre Royal Bath Box Office on 01225 448844 and online at theatreroyal.org.uk