Gail Porter lined up for stage appearance in Vagina Monologues

Published on Wednesday 19 November 2008 09:28

TV star Gail Porter is returning to Edinburgh for a rare stage appearance – but is hoping her mother won't turn up.

The Portobello-born presenter is set to star in a new production of the groundbreaking, taboo-busting comedy The Vagina Monologues.

She will be appearing alongside Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, TV presenter Kaye Adams and comedienne Karen Dunbar at the Playhouse.

The 37-year-old will be following in the footsteps of Kate Winslet, Jerry Hall and Whoopi Goldberg, who have all taken roles in the smash hit production.

Ms Porter said today she was looking forward to returning to her home city, although was slightly nervous of what her mother would think of the show. "I am thrilled, as always, to be working in Edinburgh in something as brilliant and funny as the Vagina Monologues. However, I'm not sure I could cope with my mum sitting in the front row."

The production is based on "hilarious, touching and shocking" interviews with women around the world. It is being presented by West End producer Mark Goucher, who toured the first production of Trainspotting. Three per cent of the proceeds will be donated to local charities supporting women who have suffered abuse.

It will be a rare stage appearance for Ms Porter, who is best known for presenting Fully Booked, The Big Breakfast and Top of the Pops.

The former model now lives in London with her daughter Honey but regularly returns to visit her mother in Portobello.

She said she was looking forward to working with her three co-stars. Kaye Adams is best known as presenter of ITV's Loose Women, while Karen Dunbar is a regular on Chewin' The Fat and has her own BBC Scotland sketch show. She performed a sell-out solo show at the Fringe this year.

Pam Blyth, marketing manager at the Playhouse, said: "We're really thrilled to have such a fantastic Scottish line-up. I think it'll go down a storm. They are all very different, so it'll be a perfect mixture. I think it will appeal to a very wide range of women – as well as men."

It will be the second time the Monologues have been performed at the Playhouse. Elaine C Smith, Christine Hamilton and Rosie Kane MSP starred in the show during the Festival in 2003.

Mr Goucher said: "This is the first time it's been done for a full week in Edinburgh. The last time it was performed, it was a complete sell-out on both nights.

"We're very pleased with the cast. One of the strange things about this show is that very different women have been able to do it. You don't need to be a classically trained actress or a stand-up comedian. The show works best with a mixture of women doing it.

"There are around 15 monologues, and there's also lots of banter and jokes between the women. It's extremely uplifting, although there are some very serious monologues."

The show will be run from February 16-21. Tickets are available from today on 0870 606 3424.