A chance meeting between two men with an interest in phonetics ends in a bet to see if one of them can transform a bedraggled Cockney flower girl into a lady.

The story of how arrogant phonetics professor Henry Higgins tries to teach lowly Eliza Doolittle to abandon her cockney accent and speak and act like a lady, is one of George Bernard Shaw’s greatest works.

First performed in 1913, Pygmalion is now being brought to the stage in Medway by the United Players.

This witty, thought-provoking play examines the artificiality of social class distinctions and shows that it takes more than just talking like a lady to become one.

The cast is led by Laura Tolhurst as Eliza Doolittle and Tony Appleton as Professor Henry Higgins.

Also appearing are Alan Tolhurst as Colonel Pickering, Bob Young as Alfred Doolittle, Clare Turner as Mrs Higgins, Christine Lawrence as Mrs Eynsford-Hill, John Russell as Freddy Eynsford Hill, Sophie Payne as Clara Eynsford-Hill, Louise Brenlund as Mrs Pearce and Pat Wilson as The Parlour Maid.

The amateur drama group have been performing shows in Walderslade since 1982 and after 35 years are still producing pantomimes, plays and hosting events throughout the year.

You can catch the production at St William’s Church in Walderslade Village Centre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7.30pm.

Tickets £8. To book, call 07857 898178 or email tickets@unitedplayers.co.uk

Visit www.unitedplayers.co.uk