AUDREY Hepburn immortalised the role of Holly Golightly on the big screen when Breakfast at Tiffany's was released over 50 years ago.

In deed, the 1961 movie still gets regular re-runs today and is the theme of a certain feel-good TV chocolate commercial.

But we have to cast aside our romantic preconceptions in this new stage production starring the multi-million selling pop star Pixie Lott, despite her obvious attractions.

Unlike the glitzy Hollywood classic, Richard Greenberg's adaptation is set two decades earlier in Truman Capote's original 1940's New York setting.

This isn't the sugar-coated version of the movie screen but is set in a time when all young men are at war and those left behind are finding their feet post 1930's Great Depression.

And so we should not expect frothy song and dance numbers either- despite Pixie's obvious dancing talents witnessed on Strictly Come Dancing.

There is no big band and no big song and dance routines for this is a play, with a handful of songs.

All the cast are excellent but the focus is very much on the two central characters, neighbours Fred and Holly whose worldly insignificance is perfectly illustrated by their pokey flats dwarfed by the New York skyline. The tale is told through aspiring writer Fred - the brilliant Matt Barber who conveys all the emotional ups and downs of his non-sexual relationship with good time girl Holly. It starts with infatuation and develops into friendship and love, culminating in heart-break and acceptance.

Despite stepping into the shadow of screen icon Hepburn, Pixie Lott oozes her own exceptional star quality and truly sparkles in the role. The hard-working actress hardly leaves the stage and perfectly captures the exuberance and magnetism of socialite Holly. The many swift costume changes are an achievement in themselves. Unlike Hepburn's sweet and innocent Holly, Pixie's is ambitious, headstrong and manipulative whilst strangely moving and tragic. Her American accent cleverly switches between fake movie star and country girl.

All eyes are on Pixie from the start and she proves an engaging and charismatic performer with the stand-out moments being her three songs ( the show's only songs).Fans will see an entirely different side to the All About Tonight chart-topper as she sings a beautiful heart-felt, soulful country version of Moon River with acoustic guitar.

Greenberg's adaptation of Capote's novel is wordy at times but perfectly captures the message of the work that we all have a basic human need to belong and to have hope.

The show has been on tour for a few weeks now and this Tiffany gem has started to sparkle as it heads for the West End later this year.

It runs at the Mayflower until Saturday.