TNT Theatre Britain presents:

PYGMALION

written by J.B.Shaw

directed by Christian Flint and Paul Stebbings
musical Score by Christian Auer

PYGMALION is one of the best known plays ever written, and rightly so. This exploration of language and class, explores the idea of social mobility through wit and humour that empowers a Cockney flower seller at the expense of a wealthy Professor.

Shaw dissects society and it’s (lack of) social morals in a feast of laughter and sharp wit. The brilliant Irish writer exposes the hypocrisy of the British Establishment with a skill only rivalled by his compatriot Oscar Wilde.

Eliza Doolittle is the London Flower seller who rises from poverty and brutality to being able to impersonate a Duchess at a Society Ball under the tuition of the heartless and eccentric Professor Higgins. Eliza is an extraordinary fictional creation that has mesmerised the stage and Hollywood since Shaw premiered the work in Edwardian London.

The musical version, MY FAIR LADY, is regarded as one of the finest examples of the genre. PYGMALION reinvents itself for each generation and now is often seen as a story of female emancipation in a male world. Eliza does not fight for riches or even love but independence and respect.

Paul Stebbings 2018 production was enthusiastically received by audiences across Europe. Now revived by Christian Flint for TNT, this PYGMALION literally dances through Shaw’s masterpiece; the play of words matched by lively choreography to create an accessible piece of total theatre.

The production includes a newly composed music and dramatises scenes, such as the Royal Ball, which are only talked of in the original. The author was infuriated by attempts in the theatre and on film to suggest his play was nothing more than a strange and charming romance, writing:

“I absolutely forbid any suggestion that the middle aged man and young flower girl are in love”. George Bernard Shaw wrote. So what is this wonderful comedy about ?

Behind the laughter and the lightness of touch lies a profound play that exposes the gulf between rich and poor that only widens in our present world.

Expected duration: 120 min. including an interval

PYGMALION - trailer

Photos from the 2018 PYGMALION production:










The cast in 2023:

Samantha Thornton-Rice
Samantha has worked with TNT/ADGE since 2016 after graduating East15 Acting School and is thrilled to be playing Eliza Doolittle in this production of Pygmalion. Theatre credits include A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2016-2022 (American Drama Group Europe), WIND IN THE WILLOWS (Archway Theatre), CROOKED LETTER CROOKED LETTER (TNT Britain), TIME AND TIME AGAIN (Pitchy Breath Theatre). Samantha can also be seen as ‘Poppy’ in the film SOUL REAPER (Netflix UK) and stars as ‘Anna’ in TINY LITTLE VOICES, a feature film due to be released early 2024. Offstage she can be found wearing as much pink as possible and longing for a cup of english tea! Samantha loves to vlog her backstage experiences and you can follow along and see what touring life is like via her YouTube channel.


Helena Ashwell
HELENA ASHWELL - graduated from Drama Studio London. Romance in D was her professional stage debut with The English Theatre of Hamburg in 2022 and she is delighted to be returing to Europe to tour with TNT Productions as Mrs. Higgins & Mrs. Pearce in Pygmalion. Helena’s theatre credits whilst training included TWO PRINCES, HAY FEVER, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, ANTONY & CLEOPATRA, MACBETH, THE SEAGULL, ART and IRON.


Andrew Mockler
Andrew Mockler is an English actor, originally from Middlesbrough. He is a recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London. His TV credits include DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW and he has performed seven shows with the award winning The Show Must Go Online including lead roles in DOCTOR FAUSTUS and A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM. His favourite performance was as PENTHEUS in THE BACCHAE at the ANCIENT GREEK FESTIVAL in MESSENE. Andrew is also a musician – he has toured the world and worked with STING. Andrew is passionate about politics, animal protection and conservation, films and TV shows, games, and a fanatic about Star Trek. He loves German Shepherd dogs, and is addicted to Galaxy Minstrels chocolate.


Max Marcq
Max Marcq, actor based in London. Trained at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. I grew up in North Wiltshire, love the countryside and get out of London whenever I can. I’m half Belgian and aim to get there at least a couple of times each year to see family and friends and enjoy some moules frites. I love comedy and sports. Favourite TV Shows include: Breaking Bad and White Lotus. TV and Film credits include ‘The Kennedy Incident’ and ‘The Sixth Secret’ both independent films directed by Mart Sander and ‘Emmerdale’. Theatre Credits include: ‘Closer’, ‘Blood Wedding’ ‘Blues for Mr Charlie’, ‘After The Dance’, ‘Twelfth Night’, ‘Richard III’ ‘Free’, ‘13’ ‘A Winning Hazard’, ‘Inside Lorena’, and ‘A Rebel Angel’.


Darryl Hughes
Darryl Hughes is an actor, director and writer dabbling in all sorts of theatrical ports and avenues, ranging from Shakespeare reaching as far as China (with stints in Europe too) to lots of outdoor theatre touring the United Kingdom, treading the stages in family theatre adaptations through to immersive classics. Darryl has begun directing over the last few years as well with two successful UK and Ireland tours of ‘MR STINK’ and ‘AWFUL AUNTIE’, both adaptations of David Williams books. Outside of that, Darryl is also an experienced fire-breather, stilt-walker and Jaffa cake enthusiast. Some other acting credits include Leon (FAITH: THE ARRIVAL) for the Royal Shakespeare Company. As well as Romeo (ROMEO & JULIET), Ben (GANGSTA GRANNY), Bob (BILLIONAIRE BOY), Smee/Curly (PETER PAN & THE LOST BOYS), Ferdinand/Sebastian (THE TEMPEST), Sebastian/James (MURDER ON THE TERRACE), all with Heartbreak Productions. Insta: darrylryanmarc.