AN OPERATIC society is preparing to brush up on it elocution with a classic musical.

Richmond Operatic Society will perform My Fair Lady, based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, the story of Eliza Doolittle.

Eliza is a Covent Garden flower seller who, inspired by phonetician Henry Higgins’ public boast that he could change her social status by teaching her how to speak correctly, turns up at his door asking for lessons in order to fulfil her dream of working in a flower shop.

Its classic musical numbers include With A Little Bit of Luck, Wouldn't it be Loverly?, I Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live and Get Me to the Church on Time.

Director Jodie Martin said: "My Fair Lady has been described as “a splendiferous layer cake with a bittersweet core” and I couldn’t agree more.

"Despite being extremely funny in places, it has its darker sides. Doolittle might be a ‘good old Cockney geezer’, but he’s also a drunk and brags about beating his daughter. Higgins may be a loveable buffoon, but he’s also a bully."

"I have been blessed with both a talented cast and crew who have made rehearsing a real joy. It is exciting to see a mix of experienced ROS performers working alongside some seriously talented newcomers to the society."

Chairman John Holliday added: "Once again I am staggered at the endless hours of commitment our members put into producing a show, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

"This production has seen a huge number of new members joining us, all of whom are superbly talented, including many young performers.

"For example, Sophie, who is playing Eliza, is currently studying for her A-levels. It's her first show with us and she has the leading role. A star in the making."

My Fair Lady will run at The Georgian Theatre Royal from Wednesday, May 23 to Saturday, May 26. Tickets can be purchased by calling 01748-825252 or by visiting the theatre website. Tickets start at £7.50.

ROS are also performing as part of Richmond's Tour de Yorkshire celebrations on Saturday, May 5 at 2pm, Richmond Market Place.