★★★★

Nikolai Foster’s production conveys the tawdry without tipping into the trashy. This is some achievement, given Truman Capote’s story is about a perky, exceptionally pretty hooker and her entourage of maudlin, monied and mercenary men.

Georgia May Foote injects just a little too much life into her Holly, resulting in a character who, while basically likeable, is also sometimes irritating for her excessive joie de vivre amidst the peeling wallpaper of a New York ‘brownstone’.

Matt Barber, on the other hand, plays Fred with just the right amount gaucheness and innocence, and Mag (Naomi Cranston), when she breezes in, deftly floods this potentially dark show with a much-needed lightness of touch.

Melanie La Barrie is also absolutely excellent as the Stern Lady Boss – her dressing-down of the sexually-challenged Fred is a true moment to cherish, and Robert Calvert (Doc) ably covers off the pathos element as he tries in vain to tie down the ephemeral Holly.

Put aside all thoughts of Tiffany’s and diamonds, as this is no glamorous show.

However, it still sparkles thanks to the subtle and thoughtful script, and a committed cast and crew who manage to combine realism and grittiness with, oddly enough, a sense of optimism.