Red Bus Londinium Life

Wouldn’t It Be Loverly if people outside Ealing realised just what a jewel the Questor’s Theatre is? While an amateur theatre, shows such as its recent My Fair Lady demonstrate that it is capable of producing shows which rival the West End for both imagination and quality. It was at The Questor’s, for example, where I was first informed of the Post Office scandal: long before ITV engaged with the issue.

Founded in 1929, the Questors agreed their “quest” in 1943 was to be: a theatre of adventure; an amateur theatre; an independent theatre; a theatre devoted to the highest possible standards; an outward looking theatre and  a theatre of adventure. To be achieving this with such flair, in our recent straightened times is to be applauded. (Plus, they have the best and cheapest bar in Ealing!)

The Questor’s My Fair Lady was labelled an amateur production – presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). However, the talent and production standards belied the amateur status and this was a triumph.

To take on the role of Eliza Doolittle is to step into very big shoes, Julie Andrews on stage and Audrey Hepburn on the big screen. Kirsty King, who has previously worked with Bill Kenright and Alex Milne, carries the role with panache and depth. She works well with the varying accents she needs to display and her impetuous, simmering rage is well-delivered.

Ant Foran accurately embodies the buttoned-up, blind to his own faults, Henry Higgins and is so dreadfully British it is hard to believe he, in fact, studied performing arts in Western Australia.

The rest of the cast and ensemble are all very strong. Direction and choreography from Michelle Spencer adds Cockney verve and establishment primness and makes this a joy to watch. Her

The set by Robert Spencer is flexible and appealing. It gives a true sense of both inner London and a comfortable upper class home. Costumes are another triumph which elevate this show to a level far higher than one would expect from an amateur production.

May the Questor’s continue to succeed on the quest to produce high-quality and adventurous theatre in this part of London.