Classic comedy of social class to bring laughter and insight

The story of a simple flower girl, transformed to a ‘lady’ as a consequence of a simple bet, is at once a comment on the importance of language and presentation in the structure of society, an indictment of the abuse of the poor by the rich and a very amusing play.

Professor Henry Higgins (Graham Underhill) wagers with his chum, Colonel Pickering (David Draper) that he can use his system of phonetic training to make cockney flower-girl, Eliza Doolittle (Karen Brooks), into a Duchess. Higgins then purchases Eliza from her father, Alfred Doolittle (John Nichols) for £5 and the experiment begins.

The director, Vanessa Comer, previously delighted Talisman audiences with Oscar Wilde’s An Ideal Husband and has developed a strong reputation for making comic period pieces accessible to a modern audience. She is aided by a strong cast including Vicky Whitehill, Susi Walker, Jill Laurie, Fay Staton and Jack Sargent.

Talisman Theatre director of productions Christine Carpenter said: “This is an excellently funny play by Shaw that pokes fun at each and every class and has really withstood the trial of time’”

Performances begin at 7.30pm. Tickets are between £7 and £8.50.

Call 01926 856548.