A musical celebration of women and ‘The Change’ is coming to a St Albans theatre ahead of Valentine’s Day.
Menopause The Musical can be seen at The Alban Arena on Tuesday, February 13.
The all-star cast includes former EastEnders favourite Cheryl Fergison, Maureen Nolan from singing sisters The Nolans, and Casualty actress Rebecca Wheatley.
And joining the production this year is comedienne, impressionist and singer Hilary O’Neil, who appeared in ITV’s Copy Cats.
Fresh from appearing as the Spirit of the Ring in the Arena’s recent pantomime Aladdin, Hilary is delighted to be returning to the venue in the hysterical Menopause The Musical.
She said: “Thrilled to be part of what I know will be a great fun night out.”
The all-singing, all-dancing comedy brings together four women at a department store sale, who on first appearance have nothing in common.
However, the sale of a black lace bra soon stimulates comical female heart-to-hearts on hot flushes, night sweats, memory loss, not enough sex, too much sex and plastic surgery.
The show is packed full of one-liners and is backed by an instantly recognisable soundtrack of parody versions of 60s, 70s and 80s pop classics.
The ladies believe sharing this fun night to be therapy for the soul.
Cheryl Fergison, best known as George Michael super fan Heather Trott in EastEnders, said: “This show simply had to be made.
“It tells you it’s okay to talk about the subject and I’m delighted because I’m going through the menopause myself at the moment.
“You see, until you do you have no idea it’s such a big thing.”
Cheryl added: “There are songs about getting older and the inevitability of your body shape changing.
“And I love the fact this show reminds everyone that the menopause makes you emotional.”
Maureen Nolan is just as enthusiastic about the show.
She said: “Women just seemed to be desperate for a great night out.
“Menopause The Musical entertains with songs such as I Will Survive, but re-written with comedy lyrics.
“And it doesn’t make light of the menopause, rather it shows you can tackle the raging hot sweats with humour and honesty.”
Laughing, Maureen added: “And if men do come to the show, they will understand why their wife, on occasion, has tried to kill them.”
Rebecca echoes her co-stars. “This show won’t change your life or stop you taking your clothes off while watching telly. But it will guarantee you a great night out.
“And having a group of women in one hall all able to laugh at the changes women go through during menopause is a massively uplifting sensation.
“And here’s the thing; the menopause stage isn’t all bad.
“By the time they hit it, women know so much more about themselves.
“They have a developed confidence, knowledge and a lovely, healthy cynicism about life”
Rebecca, who played Amy Howard in Casualty, acknowledges the menopause can create confusion.
“There was a time when women believed that with the arrival of the menopause their attractiveness departed and sex was a thing of the past. Not now!”
She added: “Years ago, I’d be having a blue rinse at this stage, not getting my hair dyed flame red.
“And who wants to surrender to middle age? Not me. I want to be a thoroughly disgraceful 50-something.”
Tickets for The Alban Arena performance cost £27.50.
• For tickets, ring The Alban Arena box office on 01727 844488 or book online at www.alban-arena.co.uk
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