There is no reason at all to despair at growing old. Your sixties and beyond can be the very best - and funniest - time of your life.

So says much-loved and respected agony aunt and journalist Virginia Ironside in her production of ‘The Virginia Monologues’. Directed by Nigel Planer, the show premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2009, before going on to tour the UK.

After 10 years as agony aunt at Woman magazine, Virginia became the problem page editor for the Sunday Mirror and Today as well as writing the ‘Dilemmas’ column for the Independent every Monday, and a monthly column for the Oldie.

Now Virginia will be giving two special charity performances at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester, on 4th February 2012 (Performances start at 2.30 p.m. and 7.45 p.m.). All profits from the show will be donated to our work.  

The performances were bought for the charity by a local lady who wished to make a difference in the lives of children living in the most difficult situations. Chichester Festival Theatre has kindly given the use of the Minerva for both shows free of charge.

Each show will be followed by a champagne reception where Virginia will be available to sign copies of her books and the audience will have the chance to enjoy an exhibition of paintings by stage and screen actor Jonathan Hyde.

Hyde’s credits include 2011’s Rattigan’s Nijinsky at Chichester Festival Theatre and the forthcoming production of The King’s Speech which will tour the UK from February 2012. All proceeds from paintings sold will also go to Children on the Edge.

Tickets cost £15 and it is advisable to book well ahead in order to avoid disappointment! Simply call the Chichester Festival Theatre box office on 01243 781312 or visit their website.