one4review | On 23, Aug 2026

Kayla Boyle gives another sparkling performance as Elizabeth Taylor in Call Me Elizabeth: From Burton to Humanitarian, an engaging sequel that explores both the actress’s tempestuous private life and her emergence as a formidable AIDS activist.
The show opens with a White House press conference, where journalists laugh and officials display a shocking ignorance about AIDS. When Elizabeth joins us on stage, we discover she is organising a benefit for friends in the industry who have succumbed to the disease, but even her considerable star power struggles to overcome prejudice and indifference. Ronald and Nancy Reagan are “otherwise engaged”, but Elizabeth refuses to be silenced.
She soon, however, resumes her life story, initially insisting that Richard Burton is off limits. Inevitably, his gravitational pull proves irresistible and we follow their relationship from their first meeting, through paparazzi-fuelled scandal and exhilarating happiness, to the two painful ruptures caused in no small part by Burton’s alcoholism and Taylor’s own drinking. As with Mike Todd in Part 1, Boyle’s Elizabeth sparkles when she recalls the second great love of her life.
Her later marriage to John Warner receives a brief mention, while Larry Fortensky is entirely absent, but Burton remains the emotional heart of the piece, and let’s face it, that’s who we all want to hear about!
Boyle once again captures Taylor’s glamour, wit and vulnerability beautifully, while revealing the determination that transformed a Hollywood icon into a passionate humanitarian. A warm, compelling and beautifully judged performance.
*****
Reviewed by Rona
15.30 to 16.30
Assembly George Square – Studio 2
Until 30th August (even days only)