It’s the story of a feisty young girl whose parent figure is determined teach her perfect diction and turn her into a lady. Not only my childhood in a nutshell, but also the premise of the fabulous new production of My Fair Lady at Ipswich Regent.

East Anglian Daily Times: Higgins (Martin Leigh) and Eliza (Laura Mayhew) visit Mrs Higgins (Judy Wadman) box at Ascot. Photo: Mike KwasniakHiggins (Martin Leigh) and Eliza (Laura Mayhew) visit Mrs Higgins (Judy Wadman) box at Ascot. Photo: Mike Kwasniak (Image: www.mikekwasniak.co.uk)

Full of stunning costumes, great dance numbers and a wealth of on-stage talent, the Ipswich Operatic and Dramatic Society have done themselves proud with this classic musical.

Martin Leigh is simply excellent as Henry Higgins - perfectly pompous and superior - while the vocally gifted Laura Mayhew shines as Eliza Doolittle. On opening night they both nailed the complicated songs and not just the lyrics and pitch, but also the wit and performance.

A great supporting cast includes Darren Nunn who is cockney gold as Alfred Doolittle (despite a few first night sound issues) and Dave Love(able) as Colonel Pickering. I would also like to mention Tom Beattie from the ensemble who looks so natural on stage and inhabits his character throughout.

East Anglian Daily Times: Alfred Doolittle (Darren Nunn) trying to convince Professor Higgins (Martin Leigh) that they are both men of the world.. Photo: Mike KwasniakAlfred Doolittle (Darren Nunn) trying to convince Professor Higgins (Martin Leigh) that they are both men of the world.. Photo: Mike Kwasniak (Image: www.mikekwasniak.co.uk)

Funny, classy, romantic and a pleasure to review.

East Anglian Daily Times: The costermongers of Covent Garden in the IODS production of My Fair Lady. Photo: Mike KwasniakThe costermongers of Covent Garden in the IODS production of My Fair Lady. Photo: Mike Kwasniak (Image: www.mikekwasniak.co.uk)