Pygmalion

Synopsis

Shaw's dramatisation of a Cockney flower girl's metamorphosis into a lady is not only a delightful fantasy but also has much to say about social class, money, spiritual freedom and womens' independence. Its combination of ideas and social comment, together with its rich comic characterization, make it one of the most enduring and entertaining of English comedies. Henry Higgins, Professor of Linguistics and confirmed bachelor, wagers that within six months he will transform flower seller, Eliza Doolittle, into a lady who can take her place in high society. Shaw's masterpiece is both brilliantly funny and a devastating critique of the English class system. This play formed the basis of "My Fair Lady".

Our Review:

6 February 2002

It's not too much of an overstatement to say that George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is one the most influential plays of our time. After all, this timeless story of poor Cockney flower girl Eliza Dolittle and her transformation into a 'real lady' forms the basis of many later creations, on film and stage, not least My Fair Lady and Pretty Woman. And the original article remains undimmed by imitation, as evidenced by the buzz of the first night Manchester audience for this new Library production.

It would be very easy for any director to presume that, because the material is classic and much loved, you could just coast by on famous one-liners and familiar scenes. Chris Homer, however, studiously avoids such an easy route. Instead, he gives Shaw's script a respectful shake and finds a genuinely fresh approach. Under Homer's direction, each scene is given meticulous attention to detail, with mesmerising results. You almost forget that you know this s...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 5 February 2002:

Excellent production. Well worth seeing for the sheer exuberance of the cast and the fact that this is so much more than a costumer drama. ...

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