Monologue for a cast of stars

It has already attracted scores of female stars in celebration of their nether regions. Now The Vagina Monologues can boast MPs among its celebrity cast.

A gala performance of the hit stage show saw Bethnal Green MP Oona King and Deptford's Joan Ruddock appear alongside Jerry Hall and Tamara Beckwith.

The show, at the Criterion Theatre, marked International Women's Day and was in aid of the V-Day Foundation - a charity set up by Monologues writer Eve Ensler which aims to raise awareness of violence against women.

Also starring were Body Shop founder Anita Roddick and comic Rhona Cameron. Labour MPs Caroline Flint, Margaret Moran and Linda Gilroy earlier joined Tory Caroline Spelman and Lib-Dem Sandra Gidley for rehearsals at Westminster.

Stars who have taken part in the show since 1999 include Glenn Close, Whoopi Goldberg and Kate Winslet.