THIS is a touching true story that should appeal to anyone who’s ever been to school.

Based on E R Braithwaite’s autobiography and adapted for the stage by East is East writer Ayub Khan Din, the tale was also made into a film starring Sidney Poitier in 1967.

Ansu Kabia excels in the Poitier role, as a black teacher struggling to instruct his unruly charges about the three Rs while coping with three more Rs – racism, rationing and respect – in post-war London.

And Stars in Their Eyes presenter Matthew Kelly, who has fully reinvented himself as a serious actor following his Olivier Award for Of Mice and Men, plays liberal headmaster Mr Florian with a flourish.

But the real stars of the production are the kids, initially obstructive and obnoxious, who grow to love their exotic teacher transplanted from Guyana to a run-down school in the East End of London – just as Braithwaite was.

It’s not the most dramatic story but its feelgood message gets it top marks all round.

To Sir, With Love runs until Saturday.