Experience the life of a diva at Leamington theatre

Star Quality, adapted by Christopher Luscombe, takes the audience behind the scenes of a new West End production in 1951.

Behind the red-curtain glamour, Coward conjures up a wickedly observant satire of talent and treachery and a gallery of unforgettable characters.

In this touring production directed by Joe Harmston, Liza Goddard - of Take Three Girls and The Brothers fame - takes on the role of leading lady, Lorraine Barrie, while Daniel Casey - who stars in Midsomer Murders - is her director. The two of them engage in a battle of egos which will make or break the production – and possibly the rest of the cast.

Liza, who will also be remembered by many as Mrs Jessop in the popular children’s drama Woof!, said: “Lorraine is quite an old-fashioned star. Divas like that don’t really exist like that any more. I am lucky to be old enough to remember having worked with some of them.

“It’s great. Women of that era were very dramatic in real life, so their acting in a play was more true to their character than off-stage life.

“The role is quite different to others I have played and it’s a character who’s not like myself, which is very rewarding to play.”

During the past few years, Liza has been involved in three new plays by one of her favourite playwrights, Alan Ayckbourne. She said: “His work is outstanding. To be able to work with a living genius is amazing.

“I have never done a Coward before, but Star Quality is not dissimilar to Ayckbourne’s work, so I’m really enjoying it. Coward was a master and a craftsman.

“The thing about being on stage is that it’s exciting when your adrenaline is flowing and you have got the audience’s reaction.

“If you have got it right, they can get lost in it for a couple of hours.”

Star Quality opens on Monday February 27 and is on every evening at 7.30pm until Saturday March 3, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. The theatre is running a special two-for-one offer where people can buy two tickets for £22. Call 334418 and quote ‘Liza Goddard’.

Tickets are also available on the 24-hour credit card hotline on 0845 218 3540, at the box office at Leamington town hall or online.