McGowan impresses

PERHAPS better known as a comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan somewhat aptly creates quite an impression in Bernard Shaw’s classic comedy as phonetics expert Professor Henry Higgins.

McGowan, who could possibly have played all the parts himself, leads by example.

He was a lively and energetic Higgins – providing a perky performance which sparked the rest of a strong and established cast that was clearly comfortable with the script, each other and enjoying the proceedings.

Higgins’ claim to be able to teach anyone to speak like a Duchess elicits a bet from fellow phonetics fan Colonel Pickering, played with the poise and precision one might expect of a military man, by Paul Brightwell.

By chance a scruffy flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, delightfully played by Rachel Berry, becomes a sociological guinea pig. She encounters the professor while a group of well-heeled gentry try to flag down a taxi on a rainy night and then calls on him because of the urge to talk posh and better herself.

Shaw’s play, which offers the message that kindness is more important in making people feel good rather than how they speak - as well as tackling the inequalities between the sexes, has been around for just a shade over 100 years and quite easily stands and passes the test of time.

The audience’s enthusiasm was evident throughout as the two leads gelled well together and while they enjoyed a number of hilarious moments they were slightly eclipsed by Jamie Foreman’s considerably enjoyable Alfred Doolittle, Eliza’s refuse collector father. Especially when he was bemoaning that coming into money had ruined him and deprived him of his happiness.

Rula Lenska impresses too, oozing class as the quite grand Mrs Higgins, Henry’s mother.

Well directed by Tony award-winning David Grindley and with a first class set that is a moveable feast, Pygmalion is an almost love story with a particular charm. It’s an enduring masterpiece that is thought provoking and amusing. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face