Pygmalion Auditions 3rd Feb 2019

Rosebud Memorial Hall

10am - 5pm

To book an audition Contact Sarah Jeffs Via this website or via our facebook page.

Pygmalion Character Descriptions

Note: All ages are based on looks, not actual ages of the actors

 Liza Doolittlle – The Flower Girl                 F              Age: 20s

Liza is an independent, and not at all romantic, young woman who is desperate to do better in life. Just as Pygmalion moulded Galatea, Higgins transforms Liza from a sassy, smart-mouthed street flower girl with terrible English, to a sassy, upper class woman, and then to a sassy, regal figure fit to marry royalty. She holds her own in any social situation and takes every embarrassment as an opportunity and a challenge to change the game.

 Henry Higgins – The Note Taker                M            Age: 30s or 40s

A linguistic professor who is a very unconventional man. He struggles to see how social requirements are important, especially when they get in the way of science and knowledge. He is impatient with high society and does not suffer fools lightly, which high society is full of, however he does concede that it is those fools who will praise his genius and give him honours. Others put up with him because he does have a good heart that is misused. He can often become a bully when he is frustrated with those not as smart as he is. Higgins is Pygmalion to Lizas Galatea.

 Colonel Pickering – The Gentleman        M            Age: 50+

An upper class academic who is a mix of a gentleman, a grandfather and a lad. He is kind and respectful, and is considerate of Liza and her situation, however Pickering can get caught up in the “game” and excitement of Higgins challenge. He is a gentle soul, the calm reserve to Higgins enthusiasm. Pickering is the one who teaches Liza self-respect and social consideration.

 Mrs Higgins                                                        F              Age: 50+

Mother to Henry and supporter of Liza. A very elegant woman who was a true rose of her time and can command a room with a look. She is not surprised by much anymore despite Henry’s efforts to push social boundaries. Mrs Higgins is focused on maintaining appropriate standards and is very much used to correcting whatever unusual occurrences arise. Inspired by Julie Andrews.

Extra: Will be a bystander in Act I with a speaking part so two accents/voices will be needed

 Freddy Eynsford Hill                                       M            Age: 20s

A bit of a fool lacking in spine and resourcefulness, Freddy is happy to be at his mother and sisters beck and call. He is also blinded by Liza the moment she walks in and doesn’t even register her incomplete language education. He presents a viable marriage pathway for Liza by the play’s close.

 Doolittle                                                              M            Age: 40+

A streetwise and opportunistic bludger. Despite his position in life he is a smart con man and is very comfortable thinking on his feet and spinning a tale to which he is sure to come out on top. A cheeky sort that you cannot help but like, no matter what he says he is only looking out for himself. The silver tonged devil.

Extra: Will be a bystander in Act I with a speaking part so two accents/voices will be needed

 Mrs Eynsford Hill – The Mother                F              Age: 40+

Mrs E-H presents the “genteel poverty” of the time. Although she is a woman of luxury and holds no importance in higher education, she is aware that her family is declining in society. With two children who are not bright enough to understand their situation, Mrs E-H does what she can to maintain her social standing. She acts as a comparison in parenting to Mr Doolittle.

 Clara Eynsford Hill – The Daughter           F              Age: 20s

A proper debutant “Miss” of the upper class, Clara is not aware of and does not care for anything outside of her social engagements and being a lady. She is a bit of an air-head but knows what is required of her as a girl in society. Clara is the contrast to Liza, not her competition.

 Mrs Pearce                                                         F              Age: 30+

The no nonsense house keeper of Higgins. She acts as a pseudo conscience to the house hold and, though holds no negative feelings towards anyone, has a strong sense of what is proper and right by society. A mix of Carson and Mrs Hughes from Downton Abbey.

Extra: Will be a bystander in Act I with a small speaking part so two accents/voices will be needed

 Servant                                                                F/M       Age: 20s

Mrs Higgins servant who will wait upon her and her guests. Respectful and in the background. This role can be either male or female. Characterisation and name is also open to personal development.

Extra: This role will also be the “Master of Ceremonies” of sort and will speak before Acts to the audience. This will be a chance for the character to either reveal their true nature when not in company, or treat the audience like they are also of the genteel class. You will also be a bystander in Act I with a small speaking part so two accents/voices will be needed

 Bystanders                                                         M/F       Age: Adult age range

A range of social classes and a number of small speaking parts to depict the streets of London at night and after the opera. Characterisation is open to personal development. You will also double up either as Henry or Mrs Higgins servant and act as stage hands changing sets in a fluid way.

Two distinct accents will be needed, one lower class and one middle class.