It is always interesting visit­ing a company for the first time and in this instance the conclusion is a pleasant one. There is a wide range of talent on display in a show where it can be difficult, with so many revivals, to continually find interesting and pertinent comment.

One takes for granted that a company will come up-front with competent lead players, but it is a bonus when those with smaller parts delight.

It is not often that Freddy Eynsford-Hill is played ade­quately, but in this production Iain Russell sings appealingly and creates an acceptable character.

The three male principals are of a very high standard. I don’t think I have seen any better. Christopher Saunders is Higgins, David Green is Pickering and Bob Pardoe is Doolittle.

Jill Lackey is Eliza. It is a very competent performance and beautifully sung. The chorus work is attractive, as is the choreographed movement on stage, which is a tribute to director Stephen Yeomans. 

Musical director is Ronald Gullen Beales. The show continues until Saturday.

 JOHN JINKS