Review: BECOMING ELIZA at His Majesty's Theatre

Anna O'Byrne has led quite the life, with a theatre resume that many could only dream of. Whilst her talent could easily speak for itself, she has taken time in creating BECOMING ELIZA to create a warm and inviting show that is more Anna O'Byrne than it is "The girl who played Eliza."

Being selected by Dame Julie Andrews herself to play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady is a massive accomplishment, but instead O'Dyrne begins with a more vulnerable and honest story, when she as a young girl was a violinist for My Fair Lady whilst her sister played the lead. Rather than boastful, O'Byrne was honest throughout, sharing anecdotes from her life on and off stage, as well as giving an insight into just how it is working with Julie Andrews.

O'Byrne's ability to temper the excitement is what makes BECOMING ELIZA so endearing. She could simply have leant on her list of achievements- being selected by Dame Julie Andrews to play Eliza, as mentioned, or joining the Australian tour of The Phantom of the Opera as Christine when only just out of theatre school- and she'd be entertaining and would surely sell tickets. However, in showing the human side of the roles and to herself, the audience is taken along as if listening to an old friend share their experiences, instead of a star sharing their story.

The humanity is, in fact, confronting at times. The pandemic posed problems for O'Byrne, who was based in London when it hit. Prior to that, she had considered giving up theatre altogether, an episode which she talks the audience through openly and honestly. The journey she takes the audience through is always genuine, and whilst the links made to some songs were a bit loose, there were many times when the songs she sang took on a whole new meaning because of the stories she shared, and the emotions that the songs were sung with were seen to be genuine. This all combined to ensure the audience was with O'Byrne every step of the way, from warm opening to reluctant goodbye.

O'Byrne is joined on stage throughout BECOMING ELIZA by musical director Guy Simpson and a wonderful three piece band. The songs that O'Byrne sings, written for large musical theatre orchestras, are seen in a more raw and honest form when stripped back as they are, and O'Byrne's amazing singing voice is allowed to shine. Director Sharon Millerchip ensures the show stays true to its themes whilst allowing O'Byrnes talent to shine.

BECOMING ELIZA is a heartwarming journey through O'Byrne's adventures in musical theatre. You may arrive for the chance to see a true star of Australian theatre sing, but you'll leave as if you've been chatting to an old friend. Anna O'Byrne captivates her audience with honest tales and outstanding singing, and there is something for everyone in this special show.

BECOMING ELIZA has finished its Australian tour. More details at Becoming Eliza

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