AN all star cast comes together to play five very different women, all struggling with their own personal issues and demons – and finding friendship along the way – as they take on the challenges of pole dancing in The Naked Truth at the Hackney Empire. T

AN all star cast comes together to play five very different women, all struggling with their own personal issues and demons - and finding friendship along the way - as they take on the challenges of pole dancing in The Naked Truth at the Hackney Empire.

The Naked Truth stars television personality and household name Abi Titmuss as beautiful pole dancing teacher Gabby, whose outward confidence hides a guilty secret.

She has the unenviable task of pulling together a motley crew of novices headed by the crude and hedonistic yet sensitive and vulnerable Bev, played by 'Fat Friend' Lisa Riley, best known as Emmerdale's Mandy Dingle.

Bev is accompanied by cancer-stricken mother figure Sarah, played by The Bill actress Trudie Goodwin, Tricia (Hollyoaks and Grange Hill star Julie Buckfield), whose perfect marriage is slowly crumbling around her, shrinking violet Faith (Emily Aston, who has been seen in ITV's Coronation Street, The Bill and Heartbeat among others) and loud mouthed working class mother Rita, played by Lorraine Hodgson, whose TV credits include BBC's EastEnders, Mersey Beat and Holby City.

Critics say the production is a poignant and uplifting comic celebration of sisterhood and triumph over adversity.

The Naked Truth is showing on Tuesday at Mare Street's Hackney Empire. Tickets cost �15.50-�18.50 from www.hackneyempire.co.uk or 020 8985 2424.