Fleshing out the battle of the bulge

It's very tough for Lindsey McAlister to take the MTR. What with all the weight loss and slimming ads of thin bikini-clad actresses, it's enough to give a girl a self-image complex.

The Youth Arts Foundation founder has now channelled her issues of weight and waist into a new musical comedy. With a nakedly honest title, Flesh, co-written by Nick Harvey, will have its premiere tonight at the Arts Centre's Shouson Theatre. It's about one woman's attempt to battle her bulge.

'Over the years I've tried every diet you can name. If I had enough money I would be at the plastic surgeon liposucked to within an inch of my life. I've come to the conclusion it's all rubbish,' she sighs.

'The play was started two years ago. It's quite Bridget Jones-y.'

As a western girl in an eastern town, McAlister admits it makes for an even tougher time dealing with Asian sizes. 'Hong Kong is a horrific place to be me. I'm 5'10'. I'm not petit, I'm, um, a voluptuous goddess. My Chinese colleagues who are tiny say when they shop they buy a size large. I must be an XXXL, then, and pass me the shoebox for my feet.'

Flesh will run until November 24. No doubt, the show will be flab ... I mean, fabulous.