Blooming luverly (From Ledbury Reporter)

Blooming luverly

11:30am Monday 23rd April 2012 in Latest By Elizabeth Sweetman, @lizsweetmanWN #worcsnews

TO celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pygmalion and the introduction of Eliza Doolittle, Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) is bringing the charming cockney to life on the Worcester stage.

WODS, which celebrates its 120th anniversary this year, will perform My Fair Lady at The Swan Theatre between Tuesday and Saturday, May 1 and 5, for the fourth time in its history.

Director Chris Holloway said they decided to put the show on again because of its popularity.

He said: “It’s been about 12 or 13 years since WODS last did it.

“It’s a really popular show, a feel happy show and with things like they are, it’s nice to do something to life everyone’s spirits and do something people can sit back and enjoy.

“It’s fantastic fun to be in. So many of the musical numbers are just great fun for the cast to be part of.”

Gemma Martyn Smith, who will star as Eliza, said it was “absolutely incredible” to be taking on the iconic role.

Starring alongside her will be Simon Atkins as Professor Higgins.

He said: “It’s an absolute privilege to do it.

“Not all shows are as well written as this one. This one has really, really clever dialogue and great characters.

“This has to be the best leading role I’ve ever been. I regard myself as an actor before a singer, so I think I get away with it.”

Pygmalion was written by George Bernard Shaw in 1912.

The play is based on the legend of a sculptor who made a statue of a woman so lovely that he fell in love with her.

Venus, goddess of love, answered Pygmalion’s prayers by turning Galatea into a real woman. The film version of My Fair Lady, starring Audrey Hepburn as Eliza, won eight Oscars.

Tickets for the show are available by calling 01905 611427.