West End star Gay Soper is coming to Richmond this month to star as a dry-witted maid, in Noel Coward’s long-hidden play, Star Quality.

She plays elderly maid, Nora, who looks after demanding theatrical star Lorraine, played by Liza Goddard, starring alongside Daniel Casey, from Midsomer Murders, who plays Ray.

Set in 1951, Star Quality goes behind the scenes of a new West End production. Behind the red-curtain glamour, Coward conjures up a wickedly observant satire of talent and treachery with a gallery of unforgettable characters.

The 66-year-old describes her character as “a very pragmatic woman with a wry comment on everything”.

She says: “She doesn’t get all caught up in the magic of the theatre – she just thinks all the stars are the same as anyone else.”

The script was rediscovered by the play’s director Christopher Luscombe in his agent’s office, which was once the office of Coward’s agent.

Ms Soper is best known for her performance in Godspell, but has been playing in theatres around Richmond since the 70s – including a performance in Betjemania at the Orange Tree in 1976, when it was still above the Orange Tree pub.

She will be busy rehearsing for Dr in the House, throughout the week Star Quality will run at Richmond Theatre. Dr in the House will be at Richmond Theatre from May 21 to May 26.

She says: “Richmond is one of the favourite theatres for actors. We love working there and the audiences are always lovely to play to.”

Coming from a long line of amateur actors, she studied at Lamda and had her first professional job in 1965, at 19 years old, in My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham.

She says: “My mum was an amateur actress. I saw her at the church hall doing a very serious dramatic performance, when I was six, and I thought that is what I want to do.”

Star Quality will run from Monday, March 12, to Saturday, March 17, at Richmond Theatre, The Green. There will be 7.30pm showings Monday to Saturday and a 2.30pm matinee on Wednesday and Saturday.

For tickets call the box office on 0844 8717651 or visit atgtickets.com/Richmond. Tickets cost between £13 and £28.