The stage of the Genesian Theatre has been transformed from the dark claustrophobia of the trenches of World War 1 in France to the lightness and airiness of a professor’s studio for its current revival of George Bernard Shaw’s inimitable ‘Pygmalion’.

Has there ever been a better parody of the different strata of society than this Shaw classic? Not bloody likely! Owen Gimblett’s production serves Shaw’s witty satire well. For all its breeziness, there is also bite and edge to ‘Pygmalion’, and the production conveys this well.

The cast bring Shaw’s colourful characters vividly to life and featured some fine portrayals. Roger Gimblett’s Professor Henry Higgins came across as a bit of a sad, deluded figure; brilliant in his chosen career but inept and non-perceptive in his personal life. Carissa Teeling was a high-spirited, spunky Eliza ‘I’m a good girl, I am’ Dolittle. Mark Langham was a standout as Eliza’s cantankerous, imposing father, Alfred.

The director’s own set design, framed within the small Genesian stage, worked well. The play starts with a street scene (outside Covent Garden Opera House) and then expands out to include two further settings, the Professor’s studio, and Henry Higgins’s mother’s drawing room.

Nicola Griggs’s wardrobe design impressed, in particular matching the flashiness of some of the society ladies with some extravagant costumes.

Owen Gimblett’s engaging production of the evergreen ‘Pygmalion’ plays the Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent Street, Sydney until 19th June, 2010.

16th May, 2010