Review of Pygmalion
'Pygmalion' review – a zippy staging of Shaw's play with two tremendous central performances
4/5
Read our four-star review of Pygmalion, starring Bertie Carvel and Patsy Ferran, now in performances at the Old Vic to 28 October.
Pygmalion Tickets
London
6 Sep 2023 - 28 Oct 2023
See Patsy Ferran in George Bernard Shaw's quintessentially London drama.
81
Great
59 Reviews on Show-Score
Pygmalion Information
Prepare for a captivating journey to London's Old Vic with an adaptation of George Bernard Shaw's timeless drama-comedy, Pygmalion. Delving into the enduring themes of gender, class, and the significant impact of education, this century-old classic is a subversive satire that has been pleasing the crowds for decades. Book Pygmalion tickets on London Theatre.
This utterly compelling narrative follows Eliza Doolittle, a young woman hailing from the gritty streets of London. Following a chance meeting with eccentric linguist Henry Higgins and Colonel Pickering, she becomes the centre of a bet between the pair to pass her off as a lady amongst the highest of London society.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when the determined linguistic professor, Higgins, assumes her mentor role, striving to transform her from a Cockney flower seller to a prim and proper lady fit for high society. Eliza endures challenging and often humiliating lessons in this transformative journey, leading her to challenge Higgins' preconceived notions regarding social class and gender dynamics. Amidst this process, she discovers her inner strength and resilience, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on the story.
Richard Jones directs this highly anticipated play that reunites Patsy Ferran and Bertie Carvel—the Olivier Award-winning pair star as Doolittle and Higgins in this timeless story that premiered in 1913.
Initially performed in German, Pygmalion had its English-language premiere at West End’s His Majesty’s Theatre in April 1914. Since then, it has inspired several television and film adaptations, as well as the acclaimed musical My Fair Lady. It has also influenced episodes in some of the most successful programmes, including The Simpsons, Doctor Who, and King of the Hill.
Tickets to Pygmalion are available now. Book your Pygmalion tickets on London Theatre today.
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Access Performances
- Audio Described: Mon 16 Oct 7.30pm
- Captioned: Fri 13 Oct 7:30pm
- Relaxed: Sat 14 Oct 2:30pm
- British Sign Language: Fri 20 Oct 7:30pm
Cast and creative
By: George Bernard Shaw
Director: Richard Jones
Cast list: Bertie Carvel, Patsy Ferran
Our review