Pygmalion -- Bingley Little Theatre

George Bernard Shaw's play (pictured right) was long but passed in a flash under Jacquie Howard's direction.

Even the scene changes were incorporated into the action, seen in dim lighting before the audience and including stage hands in appropriate costume.

And the near professional set, with sliding and revolving panels, drew applause. But of course it was to the large cast that the main praise must go.

Nicola Brook was a triumph as Eliza Doolittle, the transformation from Cockney flower girl to beautifully spoken lady being captured delightfully.

Paul Chewins was suitably tactless as Henry Higgins and Stuart Farrell a sympathetic Colonel Pickering.

Patricia Clough and June Purdy were also first-rate in the roles of Mrs Pearce and Mrs Higgins.

l Bingley Arts Centre, tonight/tomorrow 7.30pm. Phone 01274432000.

Sylvia Thompson

Sweet William -- West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

Step back in time to an East End boozer that's frequented by thieves, vagabonds and none other than William Shakespeare himself.

A simple but effective premise for Northern Broadsides' latest tour alongside Comedy of Errors.

From the pen of Alan Plater comes a tale of how The Bard found his inspiration in the common man down the boozer.

Bear-wrestling strongmen, cut-purses, prostitutes and a Shakespearian set of comedy twins all frequent Sweet William's favourite hostelry -- and all act as Muse to The Bard on his upwards path.

It's a lovely idea and its very easy to warm to many of the characters sharing a pint with Shakespeare.

Barrie Rutter's Fat Jack, Max Rubin's hopeless musician Simon and Andrew Vincent's Cumbrian wrestler Mac were the highlights.

Plater did over-egg the pudding however with the village idiot who was quite simply far too annoying with a penchant for forgetfulness.

Stuart Roberts

Romeo and Juliet -- Bradford Alhambra

This was the second time I'd seen Romeo and Juliet staged as a ballet set to Prokofiev's epic score.

And Birmingham Royal Ballet's attempt lived up to expectations with a dazzling, emotion-packed performance from Molly Smolen as Juliet.

Tyke director David Bintley's assured grasp of the need for light and dark in the story of these star-crossed lovers -- as well as the orchestra's deft handling of the score -- blessed this show with a thumping pulse.

It is a visual feast in almost every aspect and the fact that Smolen and her Romeo (Tiit Helimets) are real-life husband and wife gives added gravitas to the tragic climax.

Eye-catching sword fights, court balls and the ultimate tale of love's destructive force means you are kept entertained throughout.

l Runs until tomorrow.

Stuart Roberts