Eliza Doolittle and her 150-strong entourage rolled into Bradford last night for a "bloomin' marvellous", month-long run of My Fair Lady.

Sir Cameron Mackintosh's smash-hit production opened at the Alhambra - the only Yorkshire venue to host the show - on its first UK tour after a hit West End run.

Starring Christopher Cazenove as Professor Henry Higgins, former Emmerdale actress Amy Nuttall as Eliza Doolittle and Gareth Hale as her father, the show is one of the largest touring productions in the country, with a cast of 35, a 16-strong orchestra and 25 technicians.

As the cast prepared for the opening night, 73 backstage crew spent yesterday setting up the show after unloading ten 45ft trailers.

The popular musical, about a linguistics professor who transforms a Cockney flower girl into a lady, is full of unforgettable songs such as I Could Have Danced All Night, The Rain In Spain and Wouldn't It Be Loverly.

This production, which won five Olivier awards after opening in the West End in 2001 starring Martine McCutcheon, is based on the original stage show and George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion, with a nod to the classic 1965 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison.

Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh said: "I love the Alhambra; it's a perfectly-sized theatre for a show of this kind. I wish all theatres could be like this!

"This year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the original show and our production retains the traditional feel, with updated elements.

"Anthony Ward's sets and Matthew Bourne's choreography have re-invented it; big dance numbers like Get Me To The Church On Time have really opened up and there are very striking sets reflecting that classic Cecil Beaton look from the film."

"It's the greatest musical ever and today it's more relevant than ever. Look at our Pop Idol culture - ordinary girls are transformed into glamorous stars overnight like modern Eliza Doolittles and that strikes a chord with young audiences. It's always had a place in my heart, ever since I saw Julie Andrews and Rex Harrison in the original London production when I was 13."

Amy Nuttall, who played Chloe Atkinson in Emmerdale, said Eliza was her dream role. "She's feisty and even when she becomes a lady she doesn't lose her spirit; she's still got guts," she said. "This show is a gem. It's Pygmalion with music - full of songs we've all grown up with."

Christopher Cazenove is relishing his role as Prof Higgins. He said: "He's a cantankerous so-and-so but softens. This is the classic Cinderella story, plucking a girl from nowhere and turning her into something special. Bradford is going to love it."

My Fair Lady runs until April 29. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000. Read our review in Friday's T&A.