A play about Maria Callas, one of the world’s most famous opera divas, in which the leading actress does not sing a note, sounds contrary to say the least.

But Terrence McNally’s drama works brilliantly. It takes the form of a master class, taught by Callas at the Juilliard School in New York, so there is singing, by the students who subject themselves to her razor-edged criticism.

Stephanie Beacham is a tour de force as Callas. She has ‘the look’ which she tells her students is all important. She has mesmerising presence and her bearing breathes intimidating authority.

Through her advice to the young singers and her analysis of the great operatic roles they aspire to play, she tells us her colourful and harrowing life story.

Her striving for perfection and conviction that she is the best in the world – which she probably was – reveal why she had such a turbulent career.

Stage hand Scott Hazell who bears the brunt of her displeasure over missed detail, illustrates how exacting she could be.

Her rival operatic stars are damned with faint praise and Beacham uses the telling pause when another star’s name is mentioned to devastating and often comic, effect.

The second half of the play in which she recalls her life with Aristotle Onassis is particularly searing. The audience is moved to tears, yet Callas spurns sympathy.

Robyn North, Pamela Hay and Christopher Jacobsen are the singing students and what a musical treat they were, with David Harvey as the on-stage accompanist and musical director for the production.