Spot On Productions 
The Point, Eastleigh 
Georgia Rose 
26 November 2025
Spot On Productions delivered a charming and engaging production of My Fair Lady, bringing the classic story of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Henry Higgins to life with warmth, humour and impressive talent. Running at three hours, including a 20 minute interval, it was a full evening of theatre that showcased the dedication and skill of everyone involved.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play Pygmalion and the 1938 film adaptation, the production followed Eliza’s transformation from a Cockney flower girl to a poised young woman through Higgins’ rigorous speech lessons.
Unlike the 1964 musical, which leans into a more romantic and explicit connection between Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins, I didn’t feel there was as strong a bond portrayed between the two in this production. However, the abrupt ending still felt satisfying… perhaps partly because, after three hours, it felt like the right moment to close the story… or perhaps because their final positive interaction offered just enough emotional closure for both characters.
The 13-piece live band, led by conductor Matt Lemon, added richness and depth to every musical number, elevating the entire production. Their precision brought the iconic score to life in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh, capturing the charm of the original musical while supporting the vocalists beautifully. From the lively ensemble pieces to the character-driven songs, the band maintained excellent control and energy throughout.
Every performer on stage brought real commitment and character to their role, whether in a leading part or as part of the ensemble. Their collective enthusiasm, clear vocal delivery and polished choreography contributed to a consistently high standard. It was evident that a great deal of hard work, rehearsal and passion had gone into shaping the performance, resulting in a production that felt cohesive, engaging and genuinely impressive for an amateur company.
The set design was another strong point, cleverly transporting the audience from the lively streets of Covent Garden to the refined interiors of 27A Wimpole Street, Mr Higgins’ home, with seamless transitions and thoughtful detail. The use of backdrops was effective and the props were simply divine. From the beautifully arranged flowers to the lit candle visual used to teach Eliza to correctly pronounce the /h/ sound (as in “Hertford, Hereford, and Hampshire, hurricanes hardly ever happen”), every element felt purposeful.
The entire cast delivered phenomenal performances on stage, with the principal actors showcasing exceptional talent.
Rachel Bateman gave a sensational performance, bringing warmth, spirit and care to her portrayal of Eliza Doolittle.
Neil Maddock was a wonderful Henry Higgins, capturing the character’s sharp wit and complex charm with ease.
Pete Evans offered a brilliantly funny take on Colonel Hugh Pickering, providing a steady and endearing presence throughout the musical.
Mark Ponsford may well be the standout of the evening, bringing Alfred P Doolittle to life with irresistible energy – especially during the show-stopping number ‘I’m Getting Married in the Morning’.
Their performance was met with a well-earned standing ovation at the end which was 100% deserved. It was clear the audience recognised the talent, dedication and heart that had gone into bringing My Fair Lady to life.
Spot On Productions are bringing My Fair Lady to life at The Point in Eastleigh, with performances each evening until Saturday 29 November at 7:30pm, along with a 2:00pm matinee on the Saturday.
