STAGE REVIEW: Breakfast at Tiffany’s - at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, from Monday, October 10 to Saturday, October 15, 2016.

SO, a pretty good time was had by nearly all - although it might be true to say no one had quite such enjoyment as good-time girl Holly Golightly until her past, and a hint of the present, caught up with and overtook her.

Nearly probably hits the nail on the head with this stage version of the 1960s hit film which arguably still has the wonderful Audrey Hepburn etched in the minds of those of a certain mature age.

It almost pulls it off, but not quite.

This touring production of Richard Greenberg’s adaptation of Truman Capote’s tale of morality - from the middle of the last century, opens in 1957 but spends more time back in 1944 and highlights the decadence of the times among America’s privileged - the so-called elite, well-heeled and famous.

What’s more it could be argued Capote’s original offering slots easily into today’s unhealthy obsession with so-called celebrity, from A-listers right down to the back end of the alphabet! Especially with the current diet of so many low budget and low class programmes fed to the nation by a plethora of television channels…

Looking back over Tiffany’s it’s unfair to ever attempt to draw any tangible comparisons with what is offer on celluloid and a live stage show, which stands or falls on its immediacy. But better was expected of this offering from Curve Production after outstanding ticket sales during its London run which starred singer Pixie Lott.

She’s now moved on and this on-the-road version stars Georgia May-Foote, who is making her theatrical debut in the iconic role of the promiscuous Holly.

She’s lively and she works hard but there were times when there was a lack of conviction, however it still had its merits.

A few of the American accents on offer are far from convincing too but everyone strives manfully to make the most of what never was a great story.

Matt Barber, who will be better known to many as Atticus Aldridge in Downton Abbey holds the show together as the infatuated Fred, who can’t match Holly’s ambitions and pursuit of wealth between the bedsheets, while Victor McGuire is another solid and dependable performer as Joe Bell the bartender.

A fine set, with seamless scene changes and good lighting and music help to just about the save the day for a story that in essence is lacking in substance.

There was nothing lacking though with Holly's pet cat - a purrf-ect performance from Bob the Cat who has quite a pedigree when it comes to acting having appeared in television productions, film and several pet commercials.

Something of a surprise to see a live, white fluffy cat on stage - but impeccable manners, excellent timing and the aahh factor won him further admirers.