About the Play

George Bernard Shaw's celebrated play, Pygmalion (1913) was a great success on the London and New York stages, an entertaining motion picture and a great hit with its musical version - "My Fair Lady."

Plot Summary

In Shaw's clever adaptation, Professor Henry Higgins, a linguistic expert, takes on a bet that he can transform an awkward cockney flower seller into a refined young lady simply by polishing her manners and changing the way she speaks. In the process of convincing society that his creation is a mysterious royal figure, the Professor also falls in love with his elegant handiwork.

Why It's Popular

Shaw's brilliant dialogue and splendid skills as a playwright have made Pygmalion one of the most popular comedies in the English language.