Home is…
Crystal Palace with my husband, [Young Frankenstein star] Hadley Fraser, and our two-year-old daughter, Elvie.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
The South Bank every time. It’s my happy place.
What are you up to at the moment?
I’m currently playing Bobbie in Stephen Sondheim’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre.
Bus, taxi or Tube?
All of them. I love the Tube. Trains I simply couldn’t live without. Taxis equal extravagance for me.
Where do you work out?
I am a devotee of The Yoga Edge, my local studio where we practise dynamic yoga flow. It’s a huge passion of mine.
Best meal you’ve had?
Shortly after our daughter was born, my husband and I stumbled into the newly opened Tandoor Chop House on Adelaide Street.
We hadn’t slept or eaten properly for six weeks. We ate like medieval knights. It was utterly delicious.
Where would you most like to be buried?
Gosh — buried? I would rather my ashes were scattered into the Thames.
If you could buy any building in London, which would it be?
The house owned by the Browns in the Paddington films.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
Give everyone the day off, declare a free bar in every pub and bankroll free shopping.
What makes a real Londoner?
Not having to look at the Tube map to get to places. I still feel like a newcomer after 20 years.
Best thing a cabbie has said to you?
I remember the night my cabbie told me how he had arrived in Europe on a refugee boat. He left his family behind and arrived here with nothing. It made me realise a lot of the things I take for granted. I talked to him outside my flat for an hour or so. It was a profoundly moving experience.
What do you collect?
Scented candles, jumpers, ankle boots. I won’t shame myself by declaring how many I own. I’m actually just off to get some more.
Have you ever had a run in-with a policeman?
Never. I’m a good girl. Mostly.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
Sophie’s Steakhouse, now that it has moved around the corner from the theatre, or The Groucho, are where we tend to go for drinks after the show.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
If pushed, I would spend my last pennies on flowers from my local stall, Pete’s. I can’t do without them.
What’s your London secret?
Crystal Palace.
It’s incredible — friendly, independent and quirky. And a new Everyman cinema has just opened there. Just don’t tell anyone, please.
Who is your hero?
At the moment it’s my co-star, Patti LuPone. She is a friend, a mentor and an inspiration. And a survivor of this industry. I am in awe of her daily.
‘Company’ is at the Gielgud Theatre until 30 March
