THE world premiere of a stage version of a book turned rom com is set for the stage in Sudbury.

For the first time, modern classic Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is coming to the stage.

Since being published in 1938, Miss Pettigrew and her adventures in London over 24 hours have been loved by generations of readers.

A successful film based on the book was made in 2008, directed by Bharat Nalluri and starring Frances McDormand and Amy Adams, but the novel has never been adapted for the stage.

Quay Productions and Pelham Elliott Productions are thrilled that Sudbury's Quay Theatre will host the world premiere of the first stage adaptation.

Pelham Elliott, who has adapted the novel, is an actor, director and writer living in Sudbury.

He was keen that the adaptation should stay as true to the book as possible, and keep the humour, effervescence and joy of the original novel.

The adaptation has been approved by the son of the novel’s author, Winifred Watson.

A spokesman said: “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is a fun, light-hearted story set in the 30s.

“Miss Pettigrew, a dowdy governess down on her luck, is sent for a job to the wrong address and encounters the glamorous night club singer Miss Delysia LaFosse  -  and over the course of a day becomes more involved and enamoured by the life of Miss LaFosse and her set – and blossoms.

“The novel has been described as feeling like a Fred Astaire film.

“The play has been summed up as 'a perfect combination of Cinderella meeting Jeeves and Wooster'.”

The production runs from April 13 to 15 and is serving as a fundraiser for the Quay Theatre.

Tickets can be bought at quaysudbury.com or from the box office on 01787 374745.