Peter Hall's Pygmalion at Old Vic from 7 May 2008

Peter Hall's Pygmalion at Old Vic from 7 May 2008

Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, directed by Peter Hall, will open at the Old Vic Theatre 15 May 2008, following previews from 7 May - running to 2 Aug 2008.

(Public Booking opens 12 Nov 2007)

The production, which has been touring the UK, will feature Tim Pigott-Smith (Henry Higgins), Michelle Dockery (Eliza Doolittle), Tony Haygarth (Alfred Doolittle), Pamela Miles (Mrs. Eynsford Hill), Una Stubbs (Mrs. Pearce)

It is designed by Simon Higlett, lighting by Peter Mumford, costumes by Christopher Woods, sound by Gregory Clarke.

Henry Higgins is the arrogant Professor of Phonetics who makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can turn Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle into a duchess.

Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director of The Old Vic, said: "We are honoured to welcome Pygmalion to The Old Vic with Peter Hall's delightful and entertaining new production of Shaw's great work. I cannot think of a production better suited to The Old Vic stage and we are excited about beginning a new relationship with the Theatre Royal Bath, and in particular, about welcoming Peter Hall back to The Old Vic. To end our fourth season by presenting such a beloved British classic is the perfect balance of a programme that has included two world premieres and a great American work by David Mamet."

Sir Peter Hall said: "The Old Vic is a wonderful theatre which has figured large in my professional life - from seeing plays there in my youth, to the early days of my Directorship of the National Theatre; and then some 25 years later being in residence there with my own company. It therefore gives me enormous pleasure that Kevin Spacey has invited me to return to the Vic with my production of Pygmalion. This has, happily, enjoyed considerable success since its opening in Bath last summer and on an extended UK tour, and I cannot imagine a better home than The Old Vic for its London season."