Catherine Zeta-Jones enjoyed a triumphant return to theatre in New York following a two-decade absence from the stage — and pledged to re-appear soon in the West End.

The Oscar-winning Welsh actress received rave reviews on Broadway for her performance as Desiree Armfeldt in Stephen Sondheim's musical A Little Night Music, which opened at the Walter Kerr Theater.

World beater Zeta: Catherine looks stunning in a black dress that shows off her curves

The production is a transfer of the Trevor Nunn-directed show that opened at the Menier Chocolate Factory in Southwark a year ago with Zeta-Jones taking on the role played by Hannah Waddingham in London. Veteran English actress Angela Lansbury co-stars in the New York show.

Zeta-Jones's husband Michael Douglas was in the opening night audience, alongside Lauren Bacall, Kathleen Turner and Donald Trump.

Opening night: A Little Night Music opened to positive reviews

Zeta-Jones, 40, began her career in theatre before she achieved stardom with her TV and film roles in The Darling Buds of May, Traffic and Chicago. She got her break in 1987 when she graduated from a chorus member to leading lady in 42nd Street at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane after the original lead and understudy fell ill.

Zeta-Jones told the Evening Standard after last night's show: “I can't believe it's taken me 20 years to actually do this. It's quite shocking because I love the camaraderie and I just love the theatre life. It was just like going back home to a family.”

Across the pond: with her British co-star Angela Lansbury backstage

Asked when she would be performing in front of London theatregoers again, she said: “Now it's back in my blood and I'm back on the boards, it may be sooner than they want it to be.”

Zeta-Jones said there were similarities between her own life and that of Desiree, a veteran actress reunited with an ex-lover. She said: “I have lived a bit of the life of a gipsy the way that Desiree has. I've found the love of life in my husband — I'm not searching for that at this particular point in my life.”

Most critics were positive about Zeta-Jones's performance. Ben Brantley of The New York Times declared: “In addition to being drop-dead gorgeous… Ms Zeta-Jones brings a decent voice, a supple dancer's body and a vulpineself-possession to her first appearance on Broadway.”

Director Trevor Nunn paid tribute to the Menier Chocolate Factory. He said: “This first played to 200 people only in very uncomfortable seats but it is the most amazing place and it has the most incredible atmosphere.”

David Babani, the Menier's artistic director, said: “Hannah Waddingham and Catherine Zeta-Jones are both so perfect in the role of Desiree. If it was possible, I'd have them alternating in the role.”