Searching for the perfect classic to catch this Christmas? The Curve in Leicester has a wonderful offering in the shape of a feisty flower girl going by the name of Eliza Doolittle. In this delightful revival of My Fair Lady, the iconic production combines all the elements of a hit show to maintain the legacy of the liguistic-shifting story that has remained popular for decades.
Read my (very praising) review here:
Leading with her intricate mannerisms and dulcet tones, Molly Lynch encapsulates the character of Eliza in her performance. She has kindly told us more about taking on the role.
What are you most looking forward to about leading the cast of My Fair Lady?Â
Definitely working with this wonderful cast over the Christmas season. My fellow actors, the crew, musicians and all at Curve become like a family, especially at this time of year when everyone is away from home and working so hard. You all get each other through. It's also just a role of a lifetime for some one like me so I cherish every single day I get to do it.Â
How are you incorporating the essence of a musical classic into your own retelling of the story?
I think because of the iconic portrayals of these roles by people such as Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrews, it's almost impossible to not carry their interpretations into my own. If anything, it's been about giving myself some permission to stray from what they did, because they were so perfect. That freedom has mainly come from our director, Nikolai [Foster], who really allowed us to examine the text for what it was, without thinking about the iconic interpretations. I also think David Seadon-Young, who plays Higgins, really changed who my Eliza is. I think the dynamic of that relationship is so important to the show and we found something new ourselves that ensured we couldn't just recreate what had been done before.Â
How have you found the rehearsal process and preparing for the vocal demands of this role through both the songs and accent shifts?
I've had to really force myself to concentrate on the practical things I can do and the training I've done. If I think about being good enough too much I'll explode from fear so it's just one day at a time, doing my warm-ups, trusting my prep and trying to enjoy it moment to moment. Plus, I've had amazing people around me which makes a big difference.
How does the theme of Eliza finding her voice resonate with you personally?
Oh in so many ways. I'll try not to get too deep with it but I have found so much of myself in her. I think the idea of code-switching to fit in is something I've had to do and that we've all done, but Eliza helped me recognize that the core of who we are never changes. You can change how you speak, dress and act but you are always yourself and no one can take that away from you or change it.
How would you describe the dynamic between Eliza and Henry?
I think it begins as an admiration for each other; Higgins is impressed that Eliza would take such a brave initiative to change her life and she is impressed by his theories that how we speak can change where we work and the money we earn. I think the play is about them really getting to know each other, all the ugly and beautiful parts. I think it's about how imperfect love is.Â
Which are your favourite moments in the production to perform?
I love my final scene with Mrs. Higgins and Henry Higgins. To act alongside Cathy Tyson is such a thrill and I feel that scene is where Eliza finally takes all the power. Something about going to the mother of the man you love/hate is brilliant and hilarious. It also builds into 'I've Grown Accustomed to her Face' and I think David's version of that song is just epic. I also adore watching all the big ensemble numbers, especially "Get Me to The Church on Time" that Jo Goodwin [choreographer] made into absolute magic. I remember watching it for the first time in rehearsals and thinking that there was no way I was in a musical of this standard. It's like being in an MGM studio, the vocals, the backflips, the comedy, the steps. I'm obsessed every time.
What continues to draw contemporary audiences towards the show, maintaining its popularity?
I think the songs are just iconic. Every single one is a hit. That's undeniable. But the script is also so brilliant and hilarious. I think it's just strong, classic writing all around, which never goes out of fashion.
What skills have you developed for this part that you will carry forward with you in future roles?
Oh it's so hard to say as I'm still learning so much from doing this job. I think it's just been a general reminder that the work itself is the best bit. It doesn't matter what scale you do anything at, if it's a huge stage or a tiny one, the best part of doing this is working with brilliant people who you admire and as long as I get to do that I'll be happy. There is a little matter of making a living too but it's just a good reminder to never take the fact I get to do this as a job for granted.
Who inspires you and why?
Probably my sister. I think she's just the best person ever and an amazing mum and even though she's younger than me she definitely acts older, so I look up to her a lot. Truly, all my family are my inspirations, especially my grandparents.
How would you sum up My Fair Lady in just 3 words?
Joyous. Romantic. Hilarious.
Big thanks to Molly for taking the time to share her experiences of working on My Fair Lady so far, and truly wish you all the best for the remainder of the run this festive season - you are such a star!
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