Tuning in…
Tuning in…
Castaway
1 appearance
An actress.
On the island
Eight records
This is my earliest musical memory. I used to play this with my mother, who's been a marvellous influence on my life, at the piano. And so I always think of her when I hear when I hear this.
Introduction and Allegro for StringsFavourite
London Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Sir Adrian Boult
I just love Elgar and I can't imagine life without it.
Had great difficulty choosing which one, but I've come up with Here's That Rainy Day.
I love musicals. I love going to the theatre very, very much. That's the thing I miss most about working in the theatre, is going to the theatre. And for me the overture to Condide. is what an overture to a musical should be and I find it amazingly exciting.
Well record as I said I adore musicals. And there was a musical that I saw five times in all, called Gypsy. And I'd like The song will some people from that.
And song from another musical. As you see, I am besotted by them. I would have to have Noel Card with me on my my desert island. He makes me laugh, I think, probably more than anybody else. And there was a wonderful musical called Sail Away. And there was a song in that called Useful Phrases, and I laugh every time I hear it.
My last record is a Beatles record. I would need something to jump around and do exercises to and just feel happy about, and this is a wonderful record. All you need is love, which I also believe.
In conversation
Presenter asks
0:53Could you face up to loneliness?
Yes, I think I could. ... Not total loneliness. I like to be alone for a day or two. That's about as m as most as I've had.
Presenter asks
4:01Did you see a lot of theater [as a child]?
I saw a lot of theatre. Yes, I was very lucky. I wasn't trotted round museums and things as a child during my school holidays, but I was always taken to the theatre. Drury Lane musical always, every holiday. Yes.
Presenter asks
4:02What sort of parts did you visualise yourself playing?
I don't think I visualized playing anything. I certainly knew I was never a Juve. I quite a tall girl. And uh so I knew I'd never make Juliet. And it'd be rather a long time to wait for the nurse, but I hope there might be a few things in the middle.
Presenter asks
4:37What was, in fact, your first professional job?
My first professional job was at Chesterfield Rep, where I played A Pregnant Lady in Tunnel of Love, which was a comedy.
The keepsakes
The book
Marcel Proust
I've never read it, and I would have the time then.
Presenter asks
5:46What took you out of Rep?
I suppose the big break was when I joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in'sixty three' and went up to Stratford for the season.
Presenter asks
10:43You're being billed as the funniest woman in London. How do you feel about that?
I think I'm probably only the funniest woman in the West End with the aid of microphrane, definitely. So I think it will be forgotten quite soon, I hope. Probably not by my friends.
“I was taught the piano for nine years at school, and then I put a sewing machine needle through my finger, and that put an end to my piano playing career.”
“I certainly knew I was never a Juve. I quite a tall girl. And uh so I knew I'd never make Juliet. And it'd be rather a long time to wait for the nurse, but I hope there might be a few things in the middle.”
“I enjoy playing comedy, and if some one else comes up with a marvellous comedy part, being the funniest woman in the West End could help.”