Pygmalion to be revived with Patsy Ferran and Bertie Carvel 

The Old Vic Theatre has announced that two award-winning actors, Bertie Carvel and Patsy Ferran, will star in an upcoming production of Pygmalion, the classic play by George Bernard Shaw.

Directed by Richard Jones, Pygmalion will be the first show of the Old Vic’s 2023/2024 season and will run from 6 September to 28 October, with a press performance scheduled for 19 September. Bernard Shaw’s piece tells the story of Eliza, who becomes the subject of a bet to pass her off as a lady among the high society of London. 

Bertie Carvel, known for his roles in The 47th and Ink, will play the role of Professor Henry Higgins, while Patsy Ferran, returning to the Old Vic after Camp Siegfried and after her award-nominated appearance in A Streetcar Named Desire in the West End, will take on the role of Eliza Doolittle. 

Jones expressed his excitement at the opportunity to work with Carvel and Ferran, calling them “charismatic and unique” actors. He added: “I’m very happy to return to the welcoming and supportive team at the Old Vic having been here in 2015 and 2020 with The Hairy Ape and Endgame respectively.’

The Old Vic’s artistic director Matthew Warchus added: “I’m very excited to welcome back to the Old Vic the truly exceptional talents of Patsy Ferran, Bertie Carvel and Richard Jones. I anticipate explosive results as they take on Shaw’s searing and iconic study of identity and control.”

Full casting and creatives are yet to be announced. 

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