George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion is is a sharp, witty, and thought-provoking comedy that explores class, language, and personal identity. The play follows Eliza Doolittle, a poor flower seller whose life is upended when she becomes the subject of a daring social experiment by Professor Henry Higgins, an expert in phonetics. As Eliza is taught to speak and behave like a lady, she challenges the rigid class system of Edwardian England.
Full of humor, memorable characters, and incisive social commentary, Pygmalion questions whether true transformation comes from outward polish or inner self-worth. Entertaining and still strikingly relevant, the play offers both laughter and insight into society’s enduring prejudices.
George Bernard Shaw
Playwright
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and social thinker, widely regarded as one of the greatest dramatists in the English language. A leading figure of modern theatre, Shaw wrote plays that combined sharp wit with serious social criticism, often challenging conventions around class, gender, politics, and morality. His most famous works include Pygmalion, Man and Superman, Saint Joan, and Mrs Warren’s Profession.
Shaw was also a passionate public intellectual, known for his outspoken views on social reform, education, and equality. He received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1925 and remains celebrated for his ability to entertain audiences while provoking them to think deeply about society and human behavior.
Larry Westlake
Director
Larry is pleased and excited to be directing for The Toronto Irish Players for the first time. A few years ago he designed lights for their production of The Unmanageable Sisters.
He has been seen onstage and off throughout Southern Ontario. His work as director has been seen with the Scarborough Players (Pygmalion, Arms and the Man, The Pajama Game) / The Village Players (Bus Stop) / Scarborough Theatre Guild (Jake's Women, The War Show, The Red Plaid Shirt).
He would like to thank Geraldine for hiring him, Dave, his SM, for keeping him on track and the great cast who keep him going.
Performance Dates
- Thursday February 19, 2026, 8 pm (PWYC - $20 min)
- Friday February 20, 2026, 8 pm (Opening Night Reception)
- Saturday February 21, 2026, 8 pm
- Sunday February 22, 2026, 2 pm (Matinee)
- Thursday February 26, 2026, 8 pm (PWYC - $20 min)
- Friday February 27, 2026, 8 pm
- Saturday February 28, 2026, 8 pm
- Sunday, March 1, 2026, 2pm (Matinee)
- Thursday March 5, 2026, 8 pm (PWYC - $20 min)
- Friday March 6, 2026, 8 pm
- Saturday March 7, 2026, 8 pm
CAST
Rob Candy
Role: Henry Higgins
Emer Kelly
Role: Eliza Doolittle
David Eden
Role: Colonel Pickering
Steve Ness
Role: Alfred Doolittle
Catherine Lenihan
Role: Mrs. Higgins
Renee Cullen
Role: Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
Anjali Mulligan
Role: Clara Eynsford-Hill
Ryan Schnitzler
Role: Freddy Eynsford-Hill
Alma Sinan
Role: Mrs. Pearce
Heather Campbell
Ensemble
Lorne Fortune
Ensemble
Leslie Rennie
Ensemble
Hanae Shirasu
Ensemble
Jesse Miller
Ensemble
CREW
Geraldine Browne
Producer
Dave Harris
Stage Manager
Jesse Miller
Assistant Stage Manager
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