Pitlochry Festival Theatre, in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, has announced that Scottish actress Verity Power will play Eliza Doolittle opposite Alan Cumming as Professor Henry Higgins in its new chamber production of My Fair Lady.
The production will run at Pitlochry Festival Theatre from 21 November to 31 December, directed by acclaimed performer and director Maria Friedman.
Power’s recent theatre credits include The Creakers, Stranger Sings, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying and Zombies The Musical. Her screen work includes Channel 4 and Peacock series We Are Lady Parts.
Speaking about taking on the iconic role, Verity Power said: “As a kid I was completely obsessed with Audrey Hepburn and had a DVD boxset of her films, with my ultimate favourite being My Fair Lady. Eliza was brash, messy, authentic, and unapologetic. Even in the face of completely reinventing her voice, grammar, manners and looks, she drew the line by refusing to compromise her enormous heart and fighting spirit.
“I cannot wait to explore the complex power dynamic of Higgins and Eliza, and of course to do that with a legend like Alan Cumming is an all-time career high. The audition process with Maria Friedman was an absolute masterclass in and of itself. This woman possesses so much gold dust, and I cannot wait to soak up every ounce that she has to give.”
Director Maria Friedman said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Verity will be playing Eliza opposite the wonderful Alan Cumming in this exciting new production of My Fair Lady. She is bold, fearless, thrilling, with a razor-sharp wit and an authenticity and warmth that I think will make her Eliza truly special. I can’t wait to get into the rehearsal room with her and for Pitlochry audiences to see her bring this extraordinary character to life.”
As previously announced, Alan Cumming will play Professor Henry Higgins in what will be the closing production of his inaugural season as Artistic Director of Pitlochry Festival Theatre.
The new staging brings together an award-winning creative team including director Maria Friedman, designer Tim Hatley and lighting designer Neil Austin. Further casting is set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Based on George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion, My Fair Lady features a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. Since its Broadway premiere in 1956, the musical has become one of the most beloved works in the musical theatre canon, spawning the Oscar-winning 1964 film adaptation.
Presented by Pitlochry Festival Theatre in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, the production marks one of the highlights of the venue’s winter season.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
