The production will begin performances Feb. 25 for a run to April 19.

A vivacious blonde with a wholesome image, who was able to sing, dance, play comedy and dramatic roles with equal dexterity, Day became one of the biggest box-office stars in the world. But behind the screen, there was a story that rivaled any script Hollywood could ever dream up. At 13 a car accident threatened to end her dancing career. By 17 she was married to a psychopathic bully. When her third husband died, a man she had been married to for 17 years, she discovered he had left her with a debt of half a million dollars.

Sally Hughes, who has been artistic director of the Mill at Sonning since 1984, plays Day. Amongst her numerous credits there, she has previously been in Dames at Sea and Too Marvellous for Words.

The cast also includes Ian McLarnon (Passion, Sunday in the Park with George, Les Misérables) as Terry, Glyn Kerslake (Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera and Bob Cratchit in Scrooge) as Barney Rapp, Carol Ball (Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly) as Alma Kappelhoff, and Tim Wallers (The Boy Friend at the Open Air Theatre, Regent's Park, and Lady Be Good) as Marty Melcher.

It is directed by Alvin Rakoff (Emmy Award-winning dirctor of A Voyage Round My Father and Call Me Daddy), and features choreography by Joseph Pitcher. The musical director is Jo Stewart. Musical numbers that will be featured include "The Deadwood Stage," "Secret Love," "Little Girl Blue," "Day By Day," "Que Sera Sera," "It's Magic" and "Young At Heart." Design is by Eileen Diss and costumes are by Jane Kidd. To book tickets contact the box office at 0118 969 8000 or visit www.millatsonning.com.