My Fair Lady, Horwich RMI and District AODS, Albert Halls, Bolton. Runs until Saturday

MY FAIR Lady is one of the most successful musicals ever made.

A new production in London has hogged headlines all year and everyone knows the story of Professor Higgins and his bet to transform a cockney flower girl into a Duchess.

The music is exceptional and characters lively, and this Horwich production had a lot to live up to.

It was the first year the group has switched venues into the vast Albert Hall arena in Bolton Town Hall and a packed house last night was once again indicative of this excellent company's prowess.

The production did not disappoint.

Helen Price Aindow was outstanding as Eliza Doolittle. She was faultless, able to transform from street girl into princess with a certain grace and style.

Opposite her was John Whitehead as Professor Henry Higgins. This is not only an extremely wordy role, but one in which Rex Harrison in the film excelled. It was a tall order but John was most definitely a match for Harrison himself.

However, what made this show so exceptional was the fact that all the supporting roles were equally as well performed. Chris Higson as Alfred P Doolittle, Eliza's dustman father, was fantastic.

Marje Brayshaw, director and choreographer, and Steve Sandiford, musical director, deserve a round of applause for a marvellous show.

Beverly Greenberg