"That costume is my favourite," says Susie Blake of this extravagant silk number.

"My son's getting married next year and I'm very tempted to steal it and wear it on the big day. It feels wonderful. And it rustles."

Bear in mind that Blake has only recently finished playing soap favourite Beverley Unwin, the cradle-snatching barmaid who propelled the Corrie wardrobe department to new heights of grimness.

Coming from a world where "they have £7 per person per costume per episode so you go for ten episodes before you get a new outfit and then it's usually from Primark", she is excited that her new role, as society hostess Mrs Lord, comes replete with two ball-dresses, a housecoat and an evening gown, "all with pleats so I can do the tango".

Following its sell-out London season and rave reviews in summer 2003, Ian Talbot's production of High Society is now on the road with a new cast.

Familiar to most because of the Fifties film starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, this glamorous musical features a host of Cole Porter classics. And, says Blake, there's also a plot to "wrench your heart".

In a Fifties America populated by new money and platinum blondes, the dazzlingly beautiful heiress Tracy Lord (Katherine Kingsley) is about to marry dependable businessman George Kitteredge.

However, her wedding plans are disrupted by the arrival of her ex-husband, CK Dexter Haven, and two tabloid reporters, Mike and Liz, who are sniffing for scandal.

Since Tracy's father has deserted her, her sister and her mother (Blake) to run off with an exotic dancer, it looks as if there's plenty to be found. But Mike soon finds himself distracted by Tracy's charms.

"In rehearsal, I suddenly realised the point of this story," says Blake. "It's the journey of this young woman, my daughter, who has confidence, youth and beauty. But she's never learnt to use her heart. My job in this play is to help teach her compassion and I do that by forgiving her father."

Moral message aside, however, this looks like being one swell party. The flowers have arrived, the champagne's on ice, the paparazzi are assembling and all they need now is for the bride to choose the groom. "Ooh," Blake adds, "and I must remember to straighten my hat!"

Curtain: 7.45pm, Thurs and Sat mats 2.30pm, Tickets: £14-£26, Tel: 08700 606650