THE return of monthly meetings for Liphook U3A kicked off with an exciting illustrated talk given by Lucy Allen, a professional stuntwoman with more than 20 years experience in the television and film industry.

Entitled ‘From Titanic to Skyfall,’ Lucy, who started her career as an acrobat and aerialist in New Circus, had the audience on the edge of their seats when describing her daring stunts in popular film favourites such as Absolutely Fabulous, Maleficent, Fast and Furious, Robin Hood, Phantom of the Opera as well as TV shows like Spooks and London’s Burning.

With more than 50 movies under her belt, and numerous television appearances, Lucy also acted as a stunt double for Helena Bonham-Carter’s character, Bellatrix Lestrange, in the final four Harry Potter films, and was even booked to double for Dame Helen Mirren.

Her personal favourites are working with Daniel Craig on the James Bond 007 movie Skyfall and doubling for Helena Bonham-Carter as Mrs Lavett in Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, where she ended up in the arms of Johnny Depp, before being thrown into the oven.

“I have always loved that part and was thrilled when I could play Mrs Lavett, opposite an iconic Hollywood actor like Johnny Depp,” admitted Lucy.

Her professional career took off by spinning from a mouthpiece, which helped her set the world record for mouth spins on Roy Castle’s Record Breakers on BBC1.

But it took 14 years and a lot of training and qualifications for Lucy to become a full member of the official Stunt Register.

Lucy, who loves action and drama, enjoys performing water stunts which she demonstrated in the epic movie Titanic, as well as free and wire falls off buildings, bridges and down staircases.

“As a child, I was inspired by Russian gymnast Olga Korbut, who won four gold medals at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972,” she said.

“Both my parents were actors and my father became a TV director for classic shows like On the Buses, Love Thy Neighbour and Young at Heart.

“I always enjoyed having a challenge and being a bit frightened, which is why I chose this career.”

Aiming to follow in her footsteps is Hampshire’s Olivia Slee, who came along to the talk with her Liphook-based grandfather Derek Slee, a former BBC director for Top of the Pops.

Olivia has just been accepted as a probationary performer by the Stunt Register after four years of training.

Liphook U3A currently has more than 40 activity groups, including tennis, golf, boules and walking.

Other groups include history, antiques and collectibles, languages, exploring art and wine appreciation.

Lucy is pictured with U3A members John Patrick, Mike Andrews and Terry Pate.