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
Emer is thrilled to be back with TIP after her very enjoyable run as Teresa in The Unmanageable Sisters. It’s a real honour - and so much fun - to be playing Eliza with such an inviting and gifted group of artists. Thanks very much to the cast and crew for such an amazing opportunity and to her lovely (and patient) family and friends for all of their support.
David Eden
Role: Colonel Pickering
David is excited to be playing Colonel Pickering, having played Higgins while in school. He has acted in The Hostage, The Night Joe Dolan’s Car Broke Down and Many Young Men of Twenty. Favourite roles include Godfrey in Queen Milli of Galt, Orsino and Feste in two productions of Twelfth Night, Whiteside in The Man Who Came to Dinner and Scout in his one-man show Life After God by Douglas Coupland, which toured on the Fringe Festival circuit. He played Major Petkoff in Arms and the Man with Scarborough Players.
Steve Ness
Role: Alfred Doolittle
Steve is over-the-moon excited to be part of the Pygmalion ensemble; his first ever experience with the Toronto Irish Players. He has been acting since his early teens and has appeared in a string of British farces, short films and commercials. His name has become a household word, in his own household. He sends his love and thanks to Laura, Jeff, and the Goose.
Catherine Lenihan
Role: Mrs. Higgins
Renee Cullen
Role: Mrs. Eynsford-Hill
Anjali Mulligan
Role: Clara Eynsford-Hill
Anjali is thrilled to be making her debut with the Toronto Irish Players as Clara in Pygmalion. A graduate of the University College Drama Program at U of T and the Second City Training Centre, she’s excited to put her love of physical theatre, phonetic fun, and spirited interruptions to excellent use. Many thanks to this wonderful cast and crew — and to her ever-supportive husband for tolerating an impressive amount of vocal experimentation at home.
Ryan Schnitzler
Role: Freddy Eynsford-Hill
Ryan is looking forward to making his Irish Players Debut in Pygmalion. His most recent work includes being involved in the Ottawa Fringe Festival and being in the Village Players production of 'Bus Stop'! He would like to thank friends and family for their support.
Alma Sinan
Role: Mrs. Pearce
Alma is delighted to once again don the sensible shoes of Mrs. Pearce in Pygmalion—a role she last tackled with gusto in Scarborough Players’ summer 2025 production. Recent favourite roles include the betrayed, Iris, in Lunenburg (Scarborough Players); the formidable Grand Duchess Olga in You Can’t Take It with You (Scarborough Players), the daredevil Colleen in Ripcord (Village Players), and the steadfast Rebecca Heminges in The Book of Will (Village Players). This is Alma’s first production with Irish Players, and she couldn’t be happier to be joining Pygmalion’s marvelous cast and crew—proof that good theatre, like good accents, is always worth revisiting.
Heather Campbell
Ensemble
Heather has worked as an actor, production assistant, ASM and set designer with the Blackhorse Village Players, the Bloor West Village Players, the Alumnae Theatre and the Scarborough Theatre Guild. She is delighted to have this opportunity to join the talented and professional cast and crew of Pygmalion.
Lorne Fortune
Ensemble
Lorne Fortune. has studied both theatre and film in Los Angeles and Toronto. He is a versatile actor working in both comedy and drama. Some of his roles include First Date as Fred, The Sandra Kerr New Plays Festival, as well as Deacon Taylor, We all Shine Productions. Lorne loves IMPROV and was a member of The Old Dance Hall Players in Orillia as well as IMPROV in the Park including the Oakville IMPROV Theatre Group. This is his first Toronto Irish Players role.
Leslie Rennie
Ensemble
Hanae Shirasu
Ensemble
Jesse Miller
Ensemble
CREW
Geraldine Browne
Producer
Dave Harris
Stage Manager
Dave has been behind the scenes in various community theatre groups since the earth cooled. This is his second show with the Irish Players, and his first as stage manager. He's excited to be working with this cast and crew to bring Pygmalion to life.
Jesse Miller
Assistant Stage Manager
This is Jesse's third time as the ASM for the Irish Players; his two previous shows being The Land Grabber ('19) & Many Young Men...('20). When he's not working for TIP, he teaches adults English in Toronto.
David Liotta
Lighting Designer
David is thrilled to be working with the Irish Players for a third time. Previous credits were as Stage Manager for The Unmanageable Sisters (2024) and Lighting Designer for The Hostage (2025), for which he was nominated for a THEA Award. David has worked on both professional and community theatre shows for over 20 years across Canada. David also works in the travel industry and is always planning his next adventure around the world. Much love and thanks to his partner Michelle for her endless support.
CONTACT US
Contact us with any questions.
Website designed by Brand Alive