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I grew up off the All Saints Road in Ladbroke Grove in the 1990s. The vibrancy of Portobello influenced a lot of who I am today. I live across town now, in Spitalfields. There’s a similar feeling of life happening all around us. London is always evolving, but still grounded in history. It’s a city that’s never “finished”. Just like us.
Where was your first flat in London?
I was in a flat-share in Old Street when I was studying at Guildhall. My bedroom window overlooked William Blake’s grave. But the first flat I owned and lived in by myself was the size of a cupboard in Primrose Hill. It was daunting learning how to be an adult in those four walls.
What was your first job?
As a kid I’d get a tenner helping at a stall in Portobello market on Saturdays. Then I turned 16 and worked at Gap on High Street Kensington. I became pretty efficient at folding and stacking T-shirts. I was never promoted to the cash register though. I was deflated about that. It looked so grown-up.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Go south over Tower Bridge and walk down the South Bank on a summer’s eve. The views are spectacular; the city really shows itself off. And I think people tend to share more about themselves when they’re walking side by side.
Which shops do you rely on?
Chi’s Nails in Covent Garden, Townhouse at 5 Fournier Street in Spitalfields and the various vendors in Ridley Road for cooking produce and flavourful condiments.
Do you have anywhere you go for beauty procedures?
I like Keren Bartov in Kensington Park Road for her lasers. I go to Rebase in Marylebone for cold plunges and infrared saunas, which help me recover from stunt training. I use the LYMA Laser Pro at home. All these lasers … it’s reminding me of Quasar in Queensway … who else remembers that place?
Where do you let your hair down?
I have no embarrassment at all in telling you that I love escape rooms. I’ve dragged so many people into them with me; Marvel stars, theatre legends, action heroes… my mum’s dog even came to one. If you were to work with me, you would not escape my love of escape rooms.
Who do you call when you want to have fun?
I have my regular band of merry-makers that come over for dinners, films and game nights. In my line of work, I’m fortunate to always be making new friends. From the moment
I started working with Mason Alexander Park on Much Ado, I knew we were kindred spirits and we’ve had a lot of laughs this year. Felicity Blunt and her husband Stanley [Tucci] (who’s an excellent cook, as it happens) are the best hosts in town and wonderful to be around. When I first met Felicity 20 years ago, I slipped and went flying into some Soho rubbish bins. We’ve been friends ever since.
What’s the best meal you’ve had?
My husband and I have date nights at Facing Heaven in Hackney. It’s a tiny gem of a place; great atmosphere, punk rock soundtrack and chef Julian’s mind-blowing mix of Sichuan, Haitian and American comfort food… Dan dan noodles, smacked cucumber, French toast. Chequerboard vinyl floor. Disco light.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I’d set up a lot more free playgrounds. In the past year I’ve worked in places as diverse as Melbourne, Seoul and Tenerife, and was astounded at how well they have made youth facilities ubiquitous in their cities. It seems a no-brainer that London should prioritise looking out for families and young people more than we currently do.
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
There have been lots of deep-and-meaningfuls over the years, but recently a cabbie got out and opened the door for me at the end of the journey. I just thought that was so nice.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
For me, it was Alan Rickman. My mum and I used to see him in the Marks and Spencer in Bayswater in a long, smart coat with the collar up. I was lucky enough to get to know him when I started my career. He genuinely loved the theatre — he went to see everything — and he was a friend and mentor to many young actors. I go to the theatre a lot on my own and
I often wonder what Alan would have said at the interval if he were in the seat next to me.
Have you ever had a run-in with a police officer?
I once had to wrangle my dogs away from a herd of deer in Richmond Park with a warden, who was, understandably, very stern about the whole thing.
What’s your London secret?
Dennis Severs’ House in Spitalfields. The atmosphere in there is hard to explain, really. An enchanted, imagined world.
