Ex-Emmerdale star Lisa Riley might be the last person you’d expect to find pole dancing in front of an audience, but that’s exactly what she will be doing on stage in Lichfield tonight.

Lisa – famous for playing Mandy Dingle on the popular soap – is starring in hit comedy play The Naked Truth. Set in a pole dancing class, the show arrives for a three-night run at the Garrick tonight.

And the large-than-life actress is looking forward to seeing at least one familiar face in the audience tonight – Adrian Jackson, the Garrick’s artistic and executive director, is an old friend.

The pair met when they worked on a musical together some years ago.

“We toured the country and we became friends,” she said. “I absolutely love him to death. What he has done with the Garrick has been absolutely fantastic. For a local boy to have done that is something special.”

It is a return visit to Lichfield for the actress, who is enjoying her third tour with The Naked Truth.

“We’ve actually all been itching to get to Lichfield because we know we’ll get a great response from the audience,” she said.

Lisa, who stars as Bev in the play, will be joined on stage by reality TV star Abi Titmuss, Hollyoaks regular Julie Buckfield, and Coronation Street’s Emily Aston.

“I love doing this show because the role was actually written for me, and honestly it’s the character from heaven,” she said.

“And this cast is amazing, we don’t have to get to the theatre until 6.30pm, but we always meet up earlier and get something to eat because we have such a good time.”

Lisa played Mandy Dingle for more than six years on Emmerdale, scooping a national television award. But theatre is her real love.

“I did telly for 13 years, but being on stage is miles better – I just love the adrenaline.

The Naked Truth runs from tonight until Saturday.

Call 01543 412121 or visit www.lichfieldgarrick.com1