Behind it all is the desire to stage a charity show to raise money for breast cancer. Along the way they encounter The Naked Truth (Worthing's Pavilion Theatre, May 19 to 21) in a passionate tale of sisterhood and strength through adversity.

Playing the pole-dancing teacher is Lucy Rusedski, wife to recently-retired tennis superstar Greg.

"It's one of those plays that people can relate to, people who have had friends or family with breast cancer," Lucy says. "But it is also great fun."

And hard work: "As soon as I found out that I had got the role, I went on an intensive course for pole-dancing. For pole-dancing, you need to be very physically strong. I trained intensively for about six weeks before we went on tour. You have to be able to carry your whole body weight. You need really good upper-body strength. We have all been injured, bruised black and blue."

All the cast came to it with a degree of dance experience, but the main thing was a willingness to have fun. As Lucy says, there is nothing seedy about it: "It doesn't even come across as being too sensual. We all have a laugh."

For Lucy, it's her first stage work in a long time – the consequence of supporting husband Greg during the peak of his career.

"I went to drama school and I trained to do the stage and I have done a fair bit in my early career. Then I took a break and did some TV presenting when my husband's career went from strength to strength."

The point is that theatre work is gruelling, with long, long hours and commitments: "While Greg was at the peak of his career, I put my own career on hold. Now Greg is retired, I am able to get back to what I love best."

Lucy admits it was frustrating at times, given that she had she own aspirations, but she travelled the world with Greg and doesn't regret a thing: "I am doing it now and I couldn't be happier."

The Naked Truth opened in Buxton six weeks ago, and the response from audiences has been great: "But I have never been as so scared as I was on that opening night in Buxton! But the great thing about theatre is that fear. You always have that fear. On television, you can always just do another take!"

/blob/ The Naked Truth stars Lisa Riley (Emmerdale, Fat Friends), Julie Buckfield (Grange Hill, Hollyoaks), Gemma Wardle (Family Affairs, Life on Mars), Samantha Seager and Jayne Tunnicliffe (both Coronation Street). Tickets on 01903 206206 or visit www.worthingtheatres.co.uk.