How Julie Andrews chose me for My Fair Lady: Anna O'Byrne tells

By Kate Waterhouse
Updated August 28 2016 - 10:39pm, first published 12:15am
Kate Waterhouse (left) with Anna O'Byrne, who says playing Eliza Doolittle in <i>My Fair Lady</i> is "really, really challenging". Photo: Steven Siewert
Kate Waterhouse (left) with Anna O'Byrne, who says playing Eliza Doolittle in <i>My Fair Lady</i> is "really, really challenging". Photo: Steven Siewert
Anna O'Byrne (third from left) with the cast of <i>My Fair Lady</i>. O'Bryrne thinks audiences will have the same reaction to the much-loved musical as they did when it was first staged 60 years ago. Photo:  Brian Geach
Anna O'Byrne (third from left) with the cast of <i>My Fair Lady</i>. O'Bryrne thinks audiences will have the same reaction to the much-loved musical as they did when it was first staged 60 years ago. Photo: Brian Geach
Julie Andrews (pictured) is "so encouraging", says Anna O'Byrne. Photo: Nic Walker
Julie Andrews (pictured) is "so encouraging", says Anna O'Byrne. Photo: Nic Walker

Anna O'Byrne was handpicked by Dame Julie Andrews to play Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Julie Andrews played the role in the 1956 original and is now directing the Australia production, at Sydney Opera House from August 30. Andrew Lloyd Webber brought O'Byrne to London, creating the role for her in Love Never Dies, the sequel to The Phantom of the Opera. She now has international acclaim across opera, theatre, concert and film. O'Byrne chats to Kate Waterhouse about the difficulties filling Andrews' shoes, Lloyd Webber's advice for her and staying in Britain longer than she'd planned.

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