Actress Alison King went a bit further than most when researching her latest role as Calamity Jane.

The 32-year-old is set to play the title role in a musical version of the 1953 film about a notorious cowgirl, which was made famous by Doris Day. She was determined to ensure her performance with the Uckfield Theatre Guild went down a storm.

But no one expected her to fly to Hollywood to follow in her idol's footsteps as part of her research. She travelled to the legendary Mann's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, where for decades stars of the silver screen have been invited to leave their mark in concrete.

Alison, of Amberstone, near Hailsham, and who works as an insurance administrator, found the hand and stiletto prints left by the famous US actress and singer when she visited the spot in 1961. Alison said: " I thought I was small at a size four but her footprints were even smaller."

She was planning to spend three weeks with her family in New Zealand but when the return flight offered a nine-hour stop over in Los Angeles, she did not waste any time in sorting out a trip to find Doris Day's paving slab.

She added: "I took a VIP tour of Hollywood seeing where the stars live and work and it was a funny feeling sitting down next to where she implanted her hands and feet.

Tony Harris, show director, said: "She might not be Doris Day but Alison's good enough for us as Calamity. She's done a superb job even if she did take three weeks off rehearsals to fly round the world."

Alison takes to the stage at the Community College in Uckfield where the production of Calamity Jane will run from April 26 to 29.

Tickets are available from Crannages music shop in

Uckfield on 01825 765422.

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