2:10pm Friday 19th March 2010
By Rebecca Cain
THIS year sees the centenary celebrations for Beaconsfield Operatic Society who have picked a well-known classic for their next show.
It is the first time the group will perform My Fair Lady with the challenge to fit the massive Drury Lane musical into the Curzon Centre.
Hayley Vaughan-Smith is playing the lead, Eliza Doolittle, and said the different accents were the first thing to get to grips with.
She said: “It is a great part. You have the luxury of having two characters- being a Cockney at the beginning to the one with Professor Higgins learning how to 'speak proper.'
“It is not a natural thing and I found the posher accent easier and that part of the character has been easier for me.”
When the Society first started they staged The Mikado which they have since done a total of nine times.
Vaughan-Smith who lives in Hazlemere and has been part of the group for three years said: “It is quite an achievement. I don't believe we had any break for the war. They have been going constantly which is quite an achievement.”
Vaughan-Smith, 38, has had to fit the rehearsals in around looking after her three girls aged 4 to 13.
Speaking about Eliza she said: “There is always the risk you to try and emanate what you see in the film. Or course Audrey Hepburn had a very particular way of playing it.
“It is very easy to try and emanate those people. It is more scary to do your own thing.”
My Fair Lady can be seen at the Curzon Centre, Maxwell Road, Beaconsfield from March 24 to 27 at 7.45pm. Tickets from 01494 813518 or go to www.bosopera.com Calling all men!
Beaconsfield Operatic Society are looking for men to perform in their October production of Guys and Dolls. The introductory evening is Thursday April 22 at 8pm at the United Reform Church Hall, Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.stalbansreview.co.uk/trade_directory/