OPENING the spring play season at The Gordon Craig Theatre is Daphne Du Maurier s classic September Tide. In a comfortable house on a Cornish estuary lives the widowed Stella, a woman of considerable gifts and beauty who regularly rejects proposals of mar

OPENING the spring play season at The Gordon Craig Theatre is Daphne Du Maurier's classic September Tide.

In a comfortable house on a Cornish estuary lives the widowed Stella, a woman of considerable gifts and beauty who regularly rejects proposals of marriage from her sturdy neighbour Robert Hanson.

Cherry, Stella's lively daughter played by Kate Tiddy (The Bill), brings home her artist husband Evan for the first time and Stella is shocked by the Bohemian incompleteness of their marriage.

She finds herself attracted to Evan (Edward Baker-Duly) and soon they are passionately in love.

This play is subtle but radiant in its exploration of the conflict between generations and the responsibilities of love.

The play's cast includes international star Kate O'Mara, the TV vamp who has appeared in series such as Howard's Way, Dynasty, Bad Girls and Doctor Who.

In an exclusive interview with The Comet, Ms O'Mara said: "My part as Stella presents a very interesting challenge to me. I usually play the vamp or the seductress, but she is neither of these things. She is a devoted mother."

She added: "I have been to Stevenage before, several times, and it's a nice theatre."

She concluded: "I'm happier in theatre than in TV because it's what I'm more used to."

Joining Ms O'Mara on stage is David Griffin - better known as Emmet on BBC's Keeping Up Appearances - who plays Robert Hanson.

Mr Griffin said: "The cast get on very well together. It's terribly important when you do a tour of this size.

"I have spent most of my working life in theatre.

"The ultimate challenge is the theatre because there is no way back if you make a mistake."

He added: "I'm looking forward to coming to Stevenage. Apart from anything else, I have friends there and I like the theatre."

The play will be performed at 7.45pm from Tuesday, February 13, to Saturday, February 17.

There will also be matinee performances at 2.30pm on February 15 and February 17.

Tickets are priced between £11.50 and £16.50 and are available from the box office on: 08700 131 030 or online at www.gordon-craig.co.uk