IN the classic movie The Bad and the Beautiful, Kirk Douglas, referring to a young Lana Turner, defines star quality as some mysterious power that draws us to look at one person aside from all the others in the room or on the screen.

He was right about Ms Turner, and would surely have said the same about the divine Joan Collins, not just for her enviable figure, classy looks and flawless skin, but for her presence.

This spring she is touring in a sparkling romantic comedy, Full Circle — playing a woman not unlike herself — and as she sweeps into the room, dressed in a defiant red leather jacket, pencil skirt and exquisite diamond rings, all eyes are on her — and rightly so, for she looks gorgeous.

Although Joan is British and began acting during the 1950s as a very pretty Rank starlet, she has remodelled herself into an undisputed Hollywood movie star.

We think of her alongside her contemporaries — Natalie Wood, Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe — for she is every bit as glamorous, every bit as remote and every bit as dazzling. Now she is returning to the British stage and doesn’t hide her exuberance and enthusiasm.

Joan admits she was drawn to Full Circle instantly.

“I’m not particularly known for comedy, but I have always loved it. I’ve been looking for a good play for a couple of years, and when I learned that Tallulah Bankhead had toured with it for over a year in America, I was very interested.

“It’s entertaining, a little old-fashioned because it’s set in the 50s, but I think people will enjoy that.”

Set in Paris, the play follows the dilemma of best-selling novelist Denise Darvel, who confesses to her three grown-up children that the handsome man in the picture over the fireplace is not their father.

In an era in which illegitimacy is shocking and scandalous, there follows a desperate search for a father-substitute.

Such an elegant and sophisticated comedy is ideal for Joan, but does she see parallels between herself and Denise?

“Yes, she’s a best-selling author, just like me!” before she adds in mock indignation, “Well, I am! She is a woman of some means, who wears some very nice frocks. Also, she has three children, as I have. She has never been married of course, which … (a teasing pause) I have.”

Joan admits she is looking forward to touring. “I’m a good traveller — a gypsy at heart. I know it’s going to be tough, but so what? That’s how acting is sometimes, a bit tough. I have always had a lot of energy. My mother used to call me Miss Perpetual Motion. I haven’t slowed down yet. Of course, ask me again after 10 or 11 weeks!”

Joan has shared some of her secrets in three health and beauty books. Her secret boils down to a disciplined life — good eating, regular exercise, moderate drinking and no drugs.

Besides these practical guides, she has published five mega-selling novels and two autobiographies and has a string of film credits to her name, including the notorious duo The Stud and its sequel The Bitch, written by her famous author sister Jackie.

She went on to play the terrifying Alexis Carrington in the US soap Dynasty, a role that brought her international popularity as millions of viewers tuned in to watch her manipulate, scheme and vamp her way through eight years of unmissable TV, complete with breathtaking jewellery and huge shoulder pads.

When asked what she is most proud of in her career, she gives it some thought.

“Well, in the late 1980s I produced and starred in a mini-series called Sins — and it did well in the ratings — I am proud of that. Also, having kept a career going for so many years, when my father told me it would all be over by the time I was 25.

“I haven’t fallen victim to drugs, or alcohol or nervous breakdowns or suicide attempts. I suppose I’m most proud of being a survivor.”

When you consider the tragic ends of Natalie Wood, Marilyn Monroe and Judy Garland, that’s quite an achievement.

To book tickets, contact the box office on (01483) 545900.