THERE will be a local feel to an upcoming production of My Fair Lady at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. The arts theatre is moving steadily forward in its vision for producing more of its own, and My Fair Lady will be the second home grown show they have stag

THERE will be a local feel to an upcoming production of My Fair Lady at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.

The arts theatre is moving steadily forward in its vision for producing more of its own, and My Fair Lady will be the second home grown show they have staged in the last two years.

A theatre spokesman said: "The theatre currently attracts the very best visiting productions but through increasing the number of in-house shows is on a path to becoming both a nationally recognised home of receiving theatre as well as a successful producing house.

"The cast [of My Fair Lady] features the very best in local musical talent and the full orchestra, led by Cambridge University music graduate Julian Black, is made up of top amateur performers in the area," she said.

David Murphy, the Arts Theatre's chief executive, added: "We have an outstanding creative team who will work with the region's most talented amateur actors and singers in what promises to be a truly magical highlight of our autumn season."

Based on the George Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady is one of the most successful musicals in theatre history, and the original 1956 Broadway production broke the record for the longest running show of all time.

When an opinionated linguistics professor meets cockney flower seller Eliza Doolittle he becomes fascinated by her and her distinctive way of talking. He makes a wager with his friend Colonel Pickering, that within six months he can transform her into a Lady purely through teaching her to speak 'properly.' He wins the bet but doesn't bargain for the profound effect that she has on his life.

The show will be directed by Russell Labey, who comes to the Arts Theatre for a second time, having been at the helm for the theatre's first home grown production, Anything Goes, which was performed last year. He has worked prolifically in the West End as both a writer and director, with credits including New Boy and Whistle Down The Wind.

The production promises to be another wonderful showcase for Cambridge's theatrical talent, and will run from October 1 - October 10.

Shows begin at 7.30pm, with 2.30pm matinees taking place on Saturday 3 and Thursday 8 October. Ticket prices range from �12.50 - �27.50, and are all subject to a �2 booking fee.

To book, or further information, call the Arts Theatre box office on 01223 503 333, or visit www.cambridgeartstheatre.com.