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:

Glenn Meads - 18 May 2010

George Bernard Shaw's timeless classic Pygmalion has formed the basis of a popular musical and one of the most successful romantic comedies all time (starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere). Also, think of the term 'makeover' and it all harks back to this wonderfully witty play.

The problem is that none of these later versions do the play any justice. You only realise this when you're sitting in the Royal Exchange crying with laughter at their current revival, which is exquisitely delivered on every level, and is as stunning as Chris Honer's production which was seen at the Library Theatre in 2002.

Unlike the more sugary versions, the original remains a biting look at social class. Poor Cockney fllower girl, Eliza Doolittle (Cush Jumbo) is transformed into a lady by Professor Henry Higgins (Simon Robson) with thrilling results. But what the Academic does not realise is that Eliza's poverty stricken life does not mean ...

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