A GROUP of Evesham actresses will be following in the footsteps of celebrities such as Sharon Osbourne, Jerry Hall and Glenn Close as they give a charity performance of The Vagina Monologues next week.

Frank and explicit, the monologues have been one of the biggest theatrical hits of recent years. Based on interviews with thousands of women from all corners of the globe, these sensitive, touching, moving and funny set-pieces offer a range of insights into real women's experiences.

Profits will go to Droitwich Women's Refuge and the production is in association with V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.

Producers Kim Davies and Louise Sutherland both insist that the evening offers the best of both worlds - a great night out for a worthy cause.

"The women performing the pieces cover a range of ages and experiences: We have two mothers, a mother-to-be and two local students on the stage," said Kim. "All of them are bringing incredible warmth and vitality to these amazing testimonies. These speeches make you laugh, make you cry, and make you angry."

She added: "We were absolutely delighted when Louise approached us to perform the monologues - we are fairly confident that Evesham will not have seen or heard anything like this before. The rehearsals have been incredible fun and although it's taken us a while to get to grips with the content, we're confident as a group that everyone who comes along to see it will leave feeling empowered."

Louise added: "We've had a lot of support already because the evening is for charity and those who know of the monologues are keen to see the experience offered to all. It'll certainly be an evening to remember, and one that will benefit the victims of abuse. I'm particularly delighted that two 16-year olds are so keen to perform their monologues, knowing the success and the impact that these pieces have had."

The show is at Evesham Arts Centre next Friday. Tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions) and can be booked via Evesham Tourist Information at the Almonry Museum (01386 446944) or direct by contacting Louise on 07963 838753. For more information about V-Day please visit www.vday.org.