There's a method to Linda's performance

Menopause the Musical with Linda Nolan, Cheryl Fergison, Ruth Berkeley and Rebeccca Wheatley (Lowther Pavilion, Lytham, April 28)

“Method acting,” she explains. “It’s the first time I’ve been a method actress. I take those hot flushes home.”

Linda’s ringing in the change in Menopause the Musical at Lytham’s Lowther Pavilion on April 28.

Linda joins Cheryl Fergison (Heather in EastEnders), Rebecca Wheatley (Casualty) and actress and singer Ruth Berkeley in the all-singing, all-dancing comedy set in a department store where four women meet and make fun of their mutual woes.

Parodies of songs celebrating forgetfulness, mood swings, wrinkles, night sweats and chocolate binges have helped pack theatres.

And Linda knows what she’s talking – and singing – about: “With my first chemo at 47 I went straight into the menopause and I’m still living it–- getting the hot flushes really bad. The girls call me Satchmo because I keep wiping my brow.”

Linda has a soft spot for the musical as it marks her step back into showbusiness – alone. No sisters in support.

“I went back in September, started in Ireland for three months, which was great, as I was among friends and family and on home turf.”

She realised she had been trapped in bereavement for too long. “I was grieving my career as well as Brian (her late husband) and Bernie (her late sister).”

Linda faced an epiphany of sorts – and decided to make the most of her gifts.

“All of a sudden I thought I can do this again, and I was offered a tour with the show in Ireland. I couldn’t lose. I was there a solid three months, working with great women, and the tour sold out everywhere. We went back for a month in January.”

The new UK tour runs to early June, takes in one nighters at theatres across the country – and Linda is living out of a suitcase again – and dumping her washing on mates!

“I haven’t misssed that side of things, but we have got a lovely tour bus and the hotels are taken care of – so we’re not having to find digs or share rooms. And I can fall asleep standing up – even with the hot flushes.”

Linda always packs a photo of her late husband. “Brian is with me wherever I go. And it’s lovely to be back home again. The Lowther’s lovely.”