By Luke Voogt
Young Hamlyn Heights actress Rose Musselwhite says the chance to play Eliza Doolittle was one she “couldn’t miss”.
“She’s such an icon,” the 20-year-old told the Indy Monday. “It’s probably the biggest role I’ve played so far.“
Musselwhite plays the ‘fair lady’ in Geelong Repertory Theatre Company’s Pygmallion, based on Bernard Shaw’s 1912 play.
The on-stage transformation of Eliza from a cockney flower girl to duchess fascinated Musselwhite.
“It’s such an exciting journey go on,” she said. “It’s like getting to be multiple characters in one play.
“At the start of the show, I get to do the cockney accent and be dirty and disgusting on stage – wipe my nose on my sleeve and that sort of thing.
“By the end she’s this absolute powerhouse. She’s independent, sure of herself and she doesn’t let anyone get in her way.”
The play offered an intriguing look into western society a century ago, Musselwhite said.
“It’s really interesting looking up the etiquette of the time.
“Some things we consider normal now, were such a big deal during that time. While something we would find offensive now could be just average back then.”
Musselwhite’s mother Melissa, a veteran actress, first inspired her to audition for theatre at age 14.
“I’ve seen her in so many shows and as soon as I got the opportunity to audition, I jumped at it,” she said.
Like many young actresses Muselwhite dreamed of making a living on stage or in film.
“But as long as I’m doing shows as part of my life I’ll be happy, because it’s so much fun,” she said.
Director Alard Pett remained faithful to the 1912 script in his debut play for Geelong Rep, Musselwhite said.
“He’s had such a clear vision for the show.”
Pett loved the play’s multi-layered look at London society at the turn of the century and the humour in unravelling the story of Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins. He chose the piece for its classic story of class struggle.
“It’s important for audiences to know that I’ve remained true to the original script and story of the 1912 version, he said.
“However, as a creative director, I’ve also planned some surprises in the staging for this production which will delight the audience and keep them intrigued.“
The Geelong cast of Pygmallion includes Ben Mitchell as Higgins, Steve Georgiadis as Pickering and Simon Finch as Doolittle.
Pygmalion opens at the Woodbin Theatre on 7 July, and only a few tickets remain for each performance, available from Geelong Performing Arts Centre.
