THE world's first supermodel, Twiggy, has said she is delighted to be coming to Stoke-on-Trent, where she will star in Bernard Shaw's controversial work - Mrs Warren's Profession, on June 23.

The play, which is to be directed by Sir Peter Hall, comes to the Regent Theatre from Monday, June 23, to Saturday, June 28.

It focuses on the relationship between Mrs Warren, a vulgar bordello madam who has been made to fight for everything she has and her Cambridge educated daughter Vivie, who is high on principles and low on tolerance.

Themes of sexual liberation, hypocrisy and self-delusion meant it was banned for 25 years. The cast who first performed in New York faced arrest after the show.

Twiggy told the Guardian why she took on the role. She said: "I think if most actors get a call from Peter Hall asking them to play a major part in a Bernard Shaw play they would jump at the chance to take on the role.

"I have known Peter for about 18 years, I met him when my husband Lee Lawson was working at the National.

"We have tried to do things together before but they have never quite come about, so it is really nice to be working with him now."

When asked what attracted her to the part of Mrs Warren, Twiggy said: "It is a great part, a really great female role and to work with Peter, one of the top directors in the country - in fact one of the top directors in the world - is just fantastic.

"It is a very challenging role, it is a large part and you are on stage for a long time. When I was first sent the script it frightened me to death.

"I am lucky though because I have such a great cast. Hannah Yelland, who plays my daughter Vivie is just wonderful."

Twiggy believes the play's success is down to great direction as well as great acting. She added: "I think what Peter manages to do is to introduce some humour and lighter moments.

"I find live theatre very scary because things can and do go wrong - but there is nothing like the feeling when the audience become engrossed, it is as if they become part of the play."

To obtain tickets for the performance please call the box office on 01782 213 800.

Twiggy has a new pop album due out on July 7 titled Midnight Blue.