But it seems when you put a group of women on stage talking about hot flushes, memory loss, weight gain and night sweats, there's nothing audiences can do but laugh.

After a successful Australian tour Menopause: the Musical will arrive at the Drum Theatre on January 29 and 30.

Playwright Jeanie Linders says women know intuitively that others are experiencing the same symptoms.

"But when they are in a theatre with hundreds of women and all are laughing and shouting 'that's me' then they know what they are experiencing is normal. They aren't crazy."

Details: www.drumtheatre.com.au or 9771 6666.