Non-stop Rula backs a winner (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Non-stop Rula backs a winner

LEAVING the celebrity Big Brother house well and truly behind her, Rula Lenska has never been one to take it easy.

After a non-stop schedule of TV appearances and other showbiz pursuits since being evicted from the Big Brother house in January, she is now set to tread the boards of Malvern's Festival Theatre in a new play, Simon Mendes de Costa's comedy, Losing Louis.

A veteran of the stage, 58-year-old Rula is looking forward to making her way back to the town and its famed hills.

"It's such a lovely place," said Rula. "I've played at the theatre many a time and have always loved it. I'm really looking forward to coming back to Malvern, I just hope the weather stays nice."

Born in England to Polish parents, Rula stars in Losing Louis with David Horovitch, Alison Steadman and David Cardy.

The play tells the story of the strain of a family reunion following the death of their father, causing moments of ghastly social embarrassment for two brothers and their wives, with side-splitting results.

Set in the bedroom of the family home, Losing Louis is billed as ingeniously interweaving past and present to give a poignant insight into family secrets that continue to affect their lives.

"I'd call it a black comedy because of the subject matter," added Rula. "It's set in the past and present and starts at a funeral. I play one of the wives, who have nothing in common. I'm loving it, it's a brilliant, delicious play."

After her time in the Celebrity Big Brother house and a manic work schedule, Rula's next move will be a little more relaxing.

"After the play I'm hoping for a bit of a break, it's been non-stop recently. I've just finished dubbing for an animated film and there's another film coming out in the summer. "Although I'm looking forward to the break, I'm looking forward to a week in Malvern too."

Rula trained at Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and made her stage debut as Ruth in Suddenly at Home. She has played many major roles including Doris in Same Time Next Year, Freda Caplan in J B Priestley's Dangerous Corner, Ranyevskaya in The Cherry Orchard, Elvria in Blithe Spirit and Mrs Birling in An Inspector Calls.

Her first major television role was as Q in Rock Follies, which became a cult hit. Many leading roles followed in Boon, Minder, Kappatoo II, Mrs Peacock in Cluedo, Stay Lucky, The Detectives and One Foot in the Grave.

Other appearances on our screens have included The Saint, Private Schultz, The Miser and Take a Letter Mr Jones with John Inman.

Losing Louis is at the Festival Theatre in Malvern until Saturday. Box office: 01684 892277.