The thought of stripping naked in front of an audience of hundreds night after night would fill most women with dread...but not Tottington’s Lisa Riley.
In her latest venture, Lisa plays a member of the Yorkshire Women’s Institute who sparked a global phenomenon when they created a naked charity calendar.
But she says that, unlike her character, she has no qualms about getting her kit off.
She said: “It’s done so cleverly that nobody ever mentions it.
“Before you see the play, all anyone talks about is the nudity but afterwards it seems so insignificant, what people are talking about are the beautiful relationships.”
Lisa is thrilled to be performing on home territory when Calendar Girls begins a six-day run at The Palace Theatre, Manchester, starting on Monday.
“When I was a teenager auditioning for plays and being part of the Oldham Theatre Workshop I could never imagine that one day I might be on that stage.”
Lisa explained that her character, Ruth, could not be more different from the out-spoken Mandy Dingle, the role she is best known for playing.
“My character is petrified about getting her kit off and has to get absolutely plastered beforehand because unlike the other girls she really doesn’t want to do it.”
The all star cast also sees Lynda Bellingham, Jennifer Ellison, Bernie Nolan, Danielle Lineker and Trudie Goodwin take to the stage.
The role is particularly significant for the 34-year-old because her mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer and is currently going through chemotherapy.
Lisa said: “I do this show for my mum every single night.”
n For tickets: call 0844 847 2275 or visit www.manchesterpalace.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel