EVERYONE loves a gossip - just ask Elizabeth Estensen, star of the Grand Theatre's latest offering.

The School For Scandal, Sheridan's Restoration comedy, is full of high society ladies and gents who simply love to talk about others, something which has gone down well with audiences all over the country.

Elizabeth, who plays the role of Mrs Candour, explained: "We have had a great response wherever we have been so far.

"At the hub of the story is a school of people who spend all their time gossiping. They thrive on it, but they are not malicious.

"People think the play is going to be inaccessible because it is a classic, but they soon warm to it and enjoy themselves."

Audiences have also warmed to Elizabeth who is better known for a three-year stint in the original Liver Birds after Polly James left the series.

Since then her credits have included theatre and TV productions including Life Without George, A Touch Of Frost and Pie In The Sky.

But it is comedy she enjoys most: "Most of my parts have had a leaning towards comedy although I haven't hotly pursued them," she says.

"I think it is heart-warming when you can make people laugh."

Elizabeth's latest offering, which is being staged by the English Theatre Company, has been touring since the end of March and ends with a five-night run in Blackpool from Tuesday (June 25).

Elizabeth said: "I was at the Grand around 1981 with Dial M For Murder and thought it was a lovely theatre.

"I am looking forward to going back to Blackpool, especially as I hope to spend some of my time sunbathing on the beach."

Tickets for The School For Scandal are priced from £4.50-£13.50 and are available from the box office on 28372.

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