Lucy relishes being in pole position now

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," says Rusedski. "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."

For full feature and more arts and entertainments see West Sussex Gazette May 14