Review: Pygmalion (UK Tour) at the Milton Keynes Theatre

Pygmalion (UK Tour)
Milton Keynes Theatre
Reviewed on Tuesday 27th May 2014

Regarded as Bernard Shaw’s finest play, Pygmalion is once again delighting UK audiences. The play follows Professor Henry Higgins as he makes a bet with his friend, Colonel Pickering, that he can transform the manners and speech of Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl, and pass her off as a lady in society. Of course the ride isn't plain sailing and eventually one must wonder what Eliza will do with her life after Higgins’ “experiment” is complete.

Pygmalion is a charming play. Shaw’s masterpiece is certainly timeless; it seems audiences will never grow tired of watching Eliza's incredible transformation. Of course nobody can forget Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner's musical adaptation of Pygmalion, My Fair Lady, and there were times throughout the evening when scenes began to drag and I wished the cast would just burst into song. 

The strong cast bring these iconic characters to life. It's great to see Alistair McGowan back on stage, he makes a great Henry Higgins. Showcasing natural stage presence, McGowan plays the role with the perfect level of quirkiness, never being able to sit still or behave correctly in social situations. 

Jamie Foreman gives a stand out performance as Eliza's father Alfred, providing some wonderful moments of light relief. The star of the show is Rachel Barry who shines as Eliza, commanding the audience’s attention throughout and effortlessly growing with the character. 

It took me a while to truly lose myself in Pygmalion. At first this production appeared a little shallow, but it eventually finds its heart and sincerity. Certain moments are truly hilarious, last week I saw five sad and depressing shows so it was a treat to find myself sitting in hysterics. Barry's delivery of "not bloody likely" towards the end of the first act was the absolute highlight of the night. 

Despite some interesting questions being raised along the way, the second act loses pace and the show eventually concludes in a subtle yet thought provoking manner. Pygmalion will always be one of the great classics. 

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Pygmalion runs at the Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 31st May 2014. The production tours the UK until Saturday 21st June 2014. Please visit www.pygmalionuktour.co.uk for further information, full tour dates and tickets.

Follow @West_End_Frame