Pygmalion

The Old Vic. September 16, 2023.

“In Hampshire, Hereford and Hertford, hurricanes hardly happen.”

Ah the joy of this classic that has spawned so many copies (think Pretty Woman and Educating Rita.)

George Bernard Shaw was inspired by the story in Greek mythology. A sculptor of the same name shut himself away to focus on his work then deciding to sculpt his perfect woman from ivory.

The draw here is the two Olivier award-winning actors: Bertie Carvel is a chameleonic actor who excels in every role I’ve ever seen him play from Miss Trunchbowl to Trump via Murdoch (yes, seriously). He’s magnificent here as Professor Henry Higgins – phonetic genius and possibly autistic gentleman who makes a bet with his pal Colonel Pickering to pass off a common flower girl as his protégée at the Ambassador’s ball. Step forward Eliza Dolittle played to perfection by Patsy Ferran fresh from her smash in Streetcar, early 2023’s hottest ticket.

Ferran and Carvel are a fantastic partnership sparring together in this tempestuous working relationship. Fabulous.

The rest of the cast are also magnificent. Special shout outs to John Marquez for his larger than life hilarious Mr Dolittle and the gloriously understated gravitas of Sylvestra Le Touzel as Mrs Higgins.

Bernard Shaw first saw this performed in 1913 so there are the occasional words that feel shocking when used against Eliza. Each time the word “slut” was uttered it caused auduble gasps. It’s like a hard slap.

There are some odd Director decisions, particularly at Mrs Higgins home with the chairs the wrong way then needing to be turned around by the cast who are all also holding cups of tea felt clumsy and awkward. Then having Freddie randomly appear in the Lilian Baylis circle during the Ambassadors salon seemed odd. There didn’t seem to be a reason for him to be there. Odd.

Also at times the lighting was less than optimal. You can allude to nighttime and still light the actor’s faces. We need to see faces!

I’m still giving it 4/5 though as these were minor niggles and overshadowed by wonderful performances.

4/5 “the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”