Chris Burgess' play – on its first tour since its première at Hampstead's New End Theatre last year – centres on an encounter between Marlene Dietrich and her old friend Noel Coward when Marlene was at her lowest ebb – nearly bankrupt, ill, desperate to unburden her problems and weep on Coward's shoulder.

Kate said: "The première of the play went so well I knew I had to tour with it.

"It has been revised and expanded and I am delighted with this new version."

During the play, Marlene reveals some shocking news about her life which threatens to crack the playwright's facetious exterior – details of her wartime life and painful return to Berlin in 1960.

The 38-year real-life friendship between the duo is used as the basis for witty conversation, poignant moments, painful revelations and shared humour.

"She confided in Coward because he shared her high public profile and he understood her frustrations," Kate says.

"Dietrich resented being cast as a vamp because of her exotic looks.

"We have that in common!

"Thankfully, I escape the tyranny of TV and film typecasting by working in the theatre."

The second half of the play includes the comic mayhem of a dress run for a fantasy cabaret sequence.

Nothing goes as planned but as they rehearse, they cover all their hit songs from Lili Marlene and London Pride to Naughty Lola and Mad About the Boy.

"It's a very moving piece but also hugely entertaining", Kate said.

"After the interval, it becomes a dream concert between Dietrich and Coward and I get to sing all the Dietrich hits."

Kate admits there are parallels between herself and Dietrich that go beyond the professional.

"The play explores Marlene's vulnerabilities but she was fiercely independent and could be terribly imperious.

"Just like me. I have always said that I can emasculate a man at 50 paces!"

Last seen at Worthing's Connaught Theatre in September Tide, Kate O'Mara is best known for her roles in Dynasty, Howards' Way and Doctor Who.

Lunch With Marlene And Noël is at Worthing's Connaught Theatre, Union Place, Worthing, from October 6-10.

Tickets on 01903 206206 or visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk



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