THE Library Theatre bring Bernard Shaw's classic comment on society and the English class system, Pygmalion, to the stage with a swagger and a whirl of crinoline.

Shaw's tale of the cultivation of Eliza Doolittle from flower-girl to duchess, scandalised and enthralled the Edwardian audience of the day.

Even today it still has many valuable things to say about the battle of the sexes, social class and privilege.

In this Library Theatre Company production a fine cast, headed by Zoe Henry as Eliza, sees Professor Higgins (Christopher Wright) take up the challenge laid down by Colonel Pickering (Simon Moloy) to take her from gutter to ambassador's ball.

But there is more to the transformation than how Eliza talks and behaves, as her character and vivacity ensures she is the belle of the ball.

However her fears after the 'experiment' is completed sees Shaw's writing deal with a range of human emotions that Henry and Wright handle with real energy.

A scene stealing performance from Roger Watkins as Alfred Doolittle kept the audience amused, with his wicked comments on the undeserving lower classes.

Shaw's play may show its age in some places, but the overall impact of the piece still has a resonance in today's modern world.

Until 9 March.

Pygmalion by Bernard Shaw

Library Theatre, Manchester