The following are some of the wittiest monologues and scenes from the original play.
Eliza Doolittle Meets Professor Henry Higgins
In this introductory scene, Eliza Doolittle, a humble flower girl with a supposedly “lower class” accent, meets Prof. Henry Higgins for the first time. The Professor has been recording her words for linguistic purposes. Liza, however, believes that she is somehow in trouble.
Prof. Higgins Taunts Miss Doolittle
In Act Two of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion," Henry Higgins and his fellow linguistic scholar Col. Pickering make an unusual wager. Higgins believes he can transform Liza Doolittle into a refined, well-spoken woman.
Eliza's Father - The Lazy Mr. Doolittle
This comic monologue for an older male actor is the perfect audition piece, so long as the actor can manage a gruff British accent.
In this humorous monologue, Mr. Doolittle pretends to be upset about his daughter's situation. But all he really wants is a bit of money from Prof. Higgins.
Eliza's New Groove - Mingling with the Upper Class
In perhaps the funniest scene of the play, Liza has now been trained how to speak the “Queen’s English.” Although she pronounces things perfectly, she still chooses “lower class” words. Here, she hobnobs with two upper-class women.Read this comedic scene for three female performers.
And as you read, keep in mind that Miss Doolittle's voice is very refined, despite her out-of-place Cockney sayings.
Prof. Higgins Discusses Eliza's Future
In the final scenes of the play, Liza is now worried about her future. She has become too prim and proper for a life on the streets. She is fascinated by Higgins and wants affection from him, but he does not share her interest. Or, at the very least, he does not reveal his interest in her. In this monologue, Prof. Higgins coldly discusses her options.Many people believe that despite what Higgins says, he truly loves Eliza and wants to be with her. Shaw, however, felt the opposite.
