Pygmalion at The Abbey Theatre

George Bernard Shaw’s PYGMALION is currently playing for the first time in Ireland’s history at the Abbey Theatre Dublin until the 11th of June. Running late, my sister Gail and I managed to argue all the way there from parking up near Smithfield’s.We do enjoy a healthy debate particularly when it comes to the subjects of Theatre and Film…we just can’t help it!.. Directed by Annabelle Comyn starring Charlie Murphy as Eliza and the excellent Risteárd Cooper as Professor Higgins. I am so pleased we went to see this production. Thank you for taking me Gail!..We both went to see it in New York, when Claire Danes played Eliza Doolittle..So naturally we couldn’t help comparing a little..Gail pointed out that there was real rain on stage on Broadway!… Nonetheless it was the performances and the costumes that we were there to see.

Designer Peter O’Brien did a fine job, with his beautiful full period costumes stealing the show. O’Brien has had a very successful career designing for some of the World’s biggest Fashion houses including Dior, Chloe, Rochas and Givenchy. I love the pomp and circumstance of these period designs. I adore the elaborate full length dresses..that look impossible to move in.. The big feathered hats, the gloves and the austere jackets buttoned to the neck with not an inch of skin on show. Charlie did a great job of physically portraying Eliza’s discomfort in the clothing she was so unaccustomed to.. it was quite amusing! The costumes complimented each other nicely and you could see the quality in the fabrics. I also liked that there were pleats incorporated in the costumes. Im all about the pleats!

Shaw’s satirical, timeless play is so witty and clever that it leaves you with plenty of food for thought… I highly recommend all our Dublin based readers go see it!.. Here are some images taken from the 1964 film of My Fair Lady starring Audrey Hepburn and  Rex Harrison. Enjoy!                                                                                                                                                                                                  

Above photos by Ros Kavanagh taken form The Abbey Theatre website.