First brought to life by Dame Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison on the Broadway stage, and winner of a host of Tony and Olivier Awards, My Fair Lady is one of the most loved musicals of the twentieth century.

Taking you back to the golden era of Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, this is a show with a score seldom matched in today’s world of musical theatre, including such classics as I Could Have Danced All Night, Wouldn't It Be Lovely and On the Street Where You Live.

The story centres on Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who, after finding herself the recipient of a bit of extra cash, takes speech lessons from Professor Henry Higgins so that she may pass as a lady. Higgins takes the challenge and works to turn Eliza into a well spoken aristocrat before a major social event - but then feels the wrath of Doolittle when the event is over and she begins to feel like a spare part.

The 1956 Broadway production was a notable critical and popular success. It set a record for the longest run of any show on Broadway up to that time. It was followed by a hit London production, a popular film version, and numerous revivals. 

My Fair Lady has frequently been called "the perfect musical" and, if tonights production was anything to go by, that title shows no sign of going anywhere. 

What's lovely to see is one of the 'classics' upgraded and, from a staging perspective as well as a performance one, on par with any new large-scale West End transfer. The set and lighting were nothing short of spectacular with the majority of scenes set one one large, revolving set piece. I don't want to give too much away, but the spectacle on stage tonight was a visual feast - and that was supplemented by an incredibly talented cast.

From the opening chords of the overture to the melody of the oh-so-familiar soundtrack flowing from the speakers, the audience knew they were in for a good night.

Michael D. Xavier shines as Henry Higgins, playing alongside John Middleton as Colonel Pickering. The two become a double act almost instantly, with some beautiful delivery that showcased their talent. Xavier in particular gave a performance that was excentric as it was brilliant. His pedigree speaks volumes and he was a joy to watch.

Talking of raw talent, special mention should go to Tom Liggins and Heather Jackson as socialite, Freddy Eynsford-Hill, and Mrs Higgins respectively. Liggins has a stunning voice and, whilst the character is somewhat underused through the story, the moments he was on stage were a joy. Jackson also gave a solid performance in the matriarchal role, with some beautiful snide remarks and putdowns, delivered as only a mother can!

Lesley Garrett did what she does best - Northern. And I don't mean that in a critical way; her characterisation of Mrs Pearce, the long-suffering housekeeper, was accentuated and moulded into a brilliantly funny, warm and empowering performance because it had that Yorkshire twang to it.

However, for me, stand out performance of the evening goes to Rebekah Lowings as Eliza Doolittle. It seems almost lazy to say 'the main character was the best', but in this instance it's absolutely justified. Lowings understudies the role of Eliza but never has it been more evident that those ensemble members who are ready to jump in to cover are golden. 

Giving a funny, sharp and dramatically stunning interpretation of an iconic role, Lowings has an outstanding singing voice that didn't miss a note in a very hard to sing score. All in all, a brilliant performance in a show that's worthy of every award nomination it's had and will undoubtedly get in the coming months.

My Fair Lady runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 19th March. For more information, or to get tickets, visit birminghamhippodrome.com.