GEORGE Bernard Shaw's play has been overshadowed in recent years by the musical version My Fair Lady.

Damian Cruden's fabulous revival is a reminder that the original is a witty and wise piece that, with both drama and comedy, makes interesting observations about women's place in society and class.

All this in the story of a Cockney flowerseller who's transformed into a duchess by an arrogant phonetics professor for a bet.

Siobhan Ferrie's set of columns, big wooden door and some furniture elegantly set the scene, while video film is used sparingly but effectively. The relatively sudden transformation - in stage time - of Eliza Doolittle from screeching guttersnipe to well-spoken lady can be difficult but Sarah Quintrell's Eliza is totally convincing, whether protesting "I'm a good girl, I am" or making small talk at a tea party.

This is an immensely likeable and accomplished performance. David Leonard's Professor Higgins matches her word-for-word in the battle of the sexes, showing a man with the emotional depth of a haddock who sees no further than his obsession with his work. The rest of the cast, from Robert Pickavance's decent Colonel Pickering to Henry Luxemburg's lovesick Freddy, are uniformly excellent.

Just once or twice, a line of dialogue reminds you of a cue for a song in the musical.

But the production is so good that you don't miss the songs, just appreciate what a good play the original is.

* Until June 17