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PYGMALION
Knollsea Productions
Mowlem Theatre
Swanage
May 2003

TO find that the play one is about to see has five acts is enough to strike fear into the heart of the most dedicated theatregoer. To find also that it is written by George Bernard Shaw, a man not known for the spareness of his words, could make that same theatregoer decide to stay at home.
Sadly that is what most people did, so this excellent, beautifully costumed production, superbly directed by Barbara Acres and particularly – and appropriately - notable for the clarity of its speech, played to pitifully small audiences – yet it was so enjoyable that the three hours of its duration just flew by.
The character of the intelligent, ill-mannered and arrogant Henry Higgins, aptly described by Shaw as ‘a confirmed bachelor with a mother fixation’, was perfectly captured by Brian Travers, and he was well complemented by the gravitas of James Chelton’s Colonel Pickering. And Claire Palmer was an absolute delight as Eliza Doolittle, equally effective both as cockney flower seller and elegant lady. Together they made a formidable trio, but there were other fine characterisations too, not least from Gail Green (Mrs Higgins), Steve Haw (Alfred Doolittle), Rikki Adolphe (Freddy Eynsford-Hill), Roni Merison (Mrs Pearce) and Victoria Willshire (Clara Eynsford-Hill).
And a lovely set, too.

Linda Kirkman
Courtesy of the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

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