The musical My Fair Lady may seem anachronistic in these post-Cinderella, post-Diana times. However, get past the syrupy romantic songs, and you will discover a very witty and surprisingly substantial play about class and gender politics.

This brand new production excels on every level. A glorious set design by Richard Roberts is complimented by divine costumes by Roger Kirk – the Ascot races scene, with its traditional black and white modified by touches of peach, is breathtakingly beautiful; and the revolve, in this scene and others, is cleverly utilised to maximise the comic effect.

The impeccable direction by Stuart Maunder makes the most of a stellar cast of well-tried music theatre names. However, the most outstanding performance of the night was delivered by up and coming Opera Australia soprano Taryn Fiebig.

As Eliza Doolittle, Fiebig firmly makes the role her own - no small task, considering the Elizas that have preceded her. Fiebig is already well known for her lovely singing, but Eliza is as much a spoken as a sung role, and Fiebig here shows great flare as a comic performer. Her journey from foul-mouthed flower seller to stylish woman with choices is underscored with warmth and intelligence, and there was a real sense of “a star is born” on opening night.

Another emerging star is Matthew Robinson, who has already gained attention for his Pippin (with Kookaburra) and his self-generated work. Robinson is perfect as the young suitor Freddy Eynsford-Hill, and his big moment 'On the Street Where You Live' brought well deserved acclaim from the audience.

Reg Livermore brought pathos to the difficult role of Professor Higgins, who it seems, is not a very nice man at all. For the songs Livermore chose the Rex Harrison option of a kind of Sprechstimme – spoken singing – which generally worked well, though sometimes the delivery became somewhat repetitive. As his sidekick Colonel Pickering, Rhys McConnochie was comfortingly assured, and gets a big tick from me for actually giving the singing a go, even if the competition was daunting!

Royalty was present in the person of Nancye Hayes (Mrs Higgins), who besides having the best frocks and hats, brought considerable class to bear on the role. As Alfred P. Doolittle, Robert Grubb has some of the best songs and lines, and aside from an early hiccup, kept the laughs rolling.

Special mention should be made of the ensemble chorus, who have been drawn from a mixture of music theatre and opera backgrounds. Their obvious enjoyment of the piece only added to the stylish precision of their singing and dancing, and the excellent harmony singing showed the mark of diligent preparation. Coupled with the musical direction of conductor Julia de Plater, it made for a very enjoyable night listening (and humming, sotto voce) to those memorable tunes.

My Fair Lady will tour the Eastern seaboard throughout 2008. It is probably worth seeing just for the amazing hats and frocks, but I am happy to be able to wholeheartedly recommend My Fair Lady for its all round entertainment value – which, in music theatre, is what it’s all about, isn’t it?