In this Behind the Curtain interview star of Leicester's Curve Theatre's Christmas production of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe’s classic musical 'My Fair Lady' Minal Patel.
For people who may not know, could you tell us what My Fair Lady is about?
Eliza Doolittle wants to create a better life for herself and comes across an interesting, young and wealthy linguist - Professor Henry Higgins who believes he can “make a queen out of her.” As the story unfolds you meet more wonderful and fascinating characters who support and challenge Eliza’s desire to do more with her life. Including all the beautiful, moving and heartwarming show-tunes that are so well loved and known.
Could you tell us who you play, and what made you say yes to this project?
I play Colonel Hugh Pickering who has come from India to meet Henry Higgins. He has a keen interest in language and has written a book on spoken Sanskrit - and so admires Higgins’ work. I said yes to this job because I knew that Nikolai Foster, the director, would bring a life to this story that would be really exciting and relatable for today. Which he absolutely has done. I’ve fallen with love with these characters and this show in a way I never thought I would.
My Fair Lady is a classic musical, what has this production done to make it appealing for newer theatre goers?
Firstly, we have cast Higgins and Pickering younger - which means all the relationship dynamics make more sense to a modern audience. It reveals the complications of modern day relationships with all the humour intact - maybe even more than usual. The show explores how life differs for the various classes of society and how essentially all humans are equal - but the value you place on each other determines the hand we are dealt. Also we’ve cut some of extra material that adds time to the show. In a day where we prefer more fast paced storytelling we’ve made it more lean and pacy. As Nikolai said in rehearsal - the baton from the previous production has been passed to this one. I’d say this truly is a version for this generation.
How does it feel to be part of a very well known musical? And what should the audiences expect?
Having a fan base for a show before you’ve even presented it is…thrilling. I’m so glad to be involved in this particular production. It’s the same classic musical people love but with the tweaks we’ve made it’s got a thread of excitement from beginning to end. I almost want to do it all again as soon as we’ve finished. Audiences should expect to want to rebook to see this production again and again.
What advice, or top tip, would you give other budding young performers to get into the industry?
There are so many things. I’m still learning so much and by no means do I know it all but the most important thing I’ve recognised is get to know yourself. Do an inventory of yourself and understand who you are and what you can offer. Not just your talent but also your personality - what excites you and why, what scares you and why. This way you’ll be able to know what’s right for you and what’s not. Keep getting to know yourself as you gain experience. Also be radically kind to yourself and others. It’s a vulnerable thing to be an artist and if we don’t feel safe we can’t offer our best work.
Could you tell us what your first memory of theatre was? And how did that make you feel?
I started performing in Panto at my meditation centre in London at the age of 7 as a service to the community. They were fantastic amateur productions for the locals with a spiritual and positive message. I felt wholesome, part of something truly valuable and special and I knew I was giving people happiness. It was also a time where I recognised what it meant to be inspired.
As a performer what is the one thing you look for that makes you want to do that particular show?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing. Some years ago I began choosing work based on who the producing/creative team was. I want to feel challenged but also feel safe enough to play and offer bad ideas. If the producing and creative team value this then I know it will filter down and inevitably create a protective and caring work environment.
What has been your favourite role that you have done and why?
I loved playing Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden. It’s a story all about healing and so it was incredibly fulfilling to have gone through that journey every night. I’d love to do it again now that I’m a bit older.
Why should people come and see My Fair Lady this festive season?
Come if you want a festive evening or afternoon out. Come if you want to feel wholesome. Come if you want to laugh and cry. Come if you’ve never seen My Fair Lady before because you may not see a version like this again.
Describe the show in one sentence or three words.
Awesome! Heartbreaking and heartwarming.
My Fair Lady plays at the Curve Theatre in Leicester until Saturday 4th January 2025.
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