Join Normanhurst Uniting Church Musical Society as they bring the classic My Fair Lady to the stage.

My Fair Lady is a sparkling tale of transformation, wit, and the collision of social classes. When Professor Henry Higgins, a brusque linguistics expert, bets he can turn a scrappy Cockney flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, into a polished society lady, he gets far more than he bargained for. Set in Edwardian London, the story begins with Eliza’s unrefined dialect catching Higgins’ ear, sparking his ambition to showcase his skill by refining her speech. Reluctantly, Eliza agrees, dreaming of escaping her impoverished life for a better future. What follows is a whirlwind of hilariously exasperating lessons, as Higgins and his friend Colonel Pickering attempt to mold Eliza into their idea of perfection. However, as Eliza blossoms into an elegant woman, her newfound independence and sharp wit challenge Higgins’ arrogant worldview. The pupil becomes the master in a clash of wills that brims with humour, charm, and biting social commentary. Meanwhile, Eliza’s estranged father, Alfred P. Doolittle, adds comedic chaos with his unexpected rise to middle-class respectability. With unforgettable songs like “I Could Have Danced All Night” and “The Rain in Spain,” My Fair Lady enchants audiences with its heartfelt exploration of identity, love, and the true meaning of transformation.

Who are you and what role do you have in the show?

Andrew Pennycuick and I play Prof. Henry Higgins.

Christine Forbes and I am Eliza Doolittle

Sue Rowe and I play Mrs. Higgins.

Tell us about yourself!

Pennycuick: I’ve done a lot of community theatre over the last twenty years, starting with musicals in Melbourne before moving to Sydney eight years ago and having a go at opera and Gilbert and Sullivan. My Fair Lady is my first musical in Sydney. It’s a fantastic thing when people from different backgrounds and walks of life are brought together by a shared passion, in this case, performing.

Forbes: I’ve been singing since thirteen and performing in musicals since I was fifteen, across the Southern Highlands, Canberra, and Sydney — in shows ranging from Blood Brothers and Into the Woods to Nunsense and most recently Kiss Me, Kate. Along the way I was honoured to receive a Canberra Critics Circle Award and a Canberra Area Theatre Award for my work in Blood Brothers, which was a really special highlight. Outside of theatre I continue vocal training and am involved with Ballroom and Latin Dancing. What I love most about theatre is the connection — with the story, the cast, and especially the audience

Rowe: I have been involved in community theatre for over 50 years. My first show was playing Calamity Jane (in the show of the same name) with Manly-Warringah Players. Outside of the theatre, I have worked as an Accounting Machine Operator (before computers), then as a Computer Programmer, and at various other office jobs. I now work as the Office Manager for The Bush Tele. I have always loved being on stage and the feeling you get when it all goes right and the audience reacts to your efforts. It is a way of reaching people, whether it be singing, dancing, or acting. You have a story to tell, which often involves pouring yourself into a role, heart and soul.

What can audiences expect to see when they come to the show?

Pennycuick: Lots of hats.

Forbes: Audiences can look forward to a truly classic musical theatre experience — My Fair Lady has that perfect mix of humour, heart, and unforgettable songs. At Normanhurst in September, you’ll see all the elegance and charm of the Edwardian era brought to life with beautiful costumes, witty dialogue, and of course the iconic score. It’s a story about transformation and connection that still resonates today, and we’re so excited to share it with the community

Rowe: When audiences come to see the show, they can look forward to seeing the whole cast throwing themselves into their parts with movement and song. All dressed in beautiful period costumes.

How has the rehearsal process been?

Pennycuick: A hilarious mixture of diction and dancing alongside trying not to look like awkward while standing still.

Forbes: The rehearsal process has been really rewarding. It’s such a collaborative team, and everyone is bringing so much energy and care to the show. We’ve been working hard on the music and movement, but also on the little details that really bring the characters and the world to life. It’s been a lot of fun, and I think the audience will feel that joy when they see it on stage.

Rowe: The rehearsal process has been very well organised, with teams of people covering all angles of putting on the show.

What do you like about the show? Why did you choose to be involved?

Pennycuick: The musical itself is iconic and the role of Prof. Henry Higgins is a fantastic challenge. He’s brilliant, rude, arrogant, and always the cleverest person in the room but at a complete loss as to how to connect with other people.

Forbes: My Fair Lady has been a dream show for me since my early years in musical theatre. I grew up watching the film and always hoped I’d get the chance to step into Eliza’s shoes, so it’s been a joy to finally bring her to life on stage — especially alongside such a talented cast and creative team. Being part of this community of like-minded people makes the whole experience even more rewarding.

Rowe: The main reason I auditioned for My Fair Lady is the show itself. The principal characters are complex and the music is a joy. Not to mention the customs and snobbery which abounded in Edwardian London.

Other than yourself, who should audiences look out for? Who is really bringing it?

Pennycuick: Jane van Balen who is playing three different characters - she’s a master of the quick change.

Forbes: It’s been such a pleasure to work on this show — the whole cast is working so hard, and I think audiences are in for a real treat. Peter Hellier as Doolittle is an absolute delight, Jane Ferrier as Mrs Pearce brings so much heart, Murray Fane as Colonel Pickering is wonderfully joyful, and Andrew Pennycuick as Professor Henry Higgins perfectly balances arrogance with just the right amount vulnerability. Honestly, every member of the cast is bringing something special, so there’s a lot to keep an eye on!

Rowe: The person you should watch out for is Andrew Pennycuick playing Prof. Henry Higgins. He captures the subtle nuances of Higgins perfectly. However, there are so many interesting characters on stage, they all run a close second.

What do you want the audience to think about? What is the message of the show?

Pennycuick: I hope the audience finds something in the show that resonates with them, whether it’s the journey of transformation, the power of language, or just the joy of live theatre. My Fair Lady critiques class distinctions and social pretensions, showing how society can unfairly judge people based on superficial traits.  While Eliza achieves respectability by improving her speech, it is her growing sense of self that really transforms.

Forbes: I think My Fair Lady asks the audience to think about transformation and what truly defines a person’s worth. Is it the way someone speaks, the way they look, or something much deeper? For me, the message is about independence, self-discovery, and respect — Eliza finds her own voice and her own strength, and I hope the audience leaves reflecting on how we value each other beyond class or appearances.

Rowe: The audience should think about the way the characters change during the show. Eliza has an impact on Higgins which is most unexpected. She also reaches Mrs. Higgins with her warmth and common sense. The message of the show: people should not be defined by their station in life. What matters is character and integrity, not social status or how they speak.

Go see My Fair Lady at Normanhurst Uniting Church, Buckingham Avenue. Tickets and further information can be found at this link