I’ve wanted to be an actress ever since I can remember. Or maybe that should be I’d wanted , as over the years other things took over and then other things paid the bills. My voice-over career has kept the acting flame burning somewhat (Yes, that is me as a Mexican gerbil in El Nombre. And inside the Little Miss Giggles toy) but in reality, I’m thought of a presenter first. Well, as Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s mum first, but luckily I happen to be extremely proud of that. But not-so- very-deep down, acting is my first love, and it’s as an actress that  I think of myself- even if my cv doesn’t always agree.

I can’t recall exactly when the idea of being in a little play first came, or when it evolved in to putting on a little play. Suffice it to say, once I had decided I knew straight away that I didn’t want it to be a kind of belated audition.  I found the stage exciting, challenging , demanding (insert actor-based adjective of your choice) but mostly fun, and I didn’t want to lose that feeling. I recruited a friend (Paul Clayton ) to direct it and his partner Richard Howle to produce it, and we all decided that quite apart from the kick we were all going to get out of the project, something else ought to benefit. Maggies Cancer Caring Centres were the obvious choice- I’m Patron of the London one at Charing Cross Hospital and while I love getting involved with whatever they’re doing to raise awareness and funds, I’ve never done anything like this for them before.

Paul found a  perfectplay called Green Forms by Alan Bennett. And of course it’s funny,true and perceptive. And did I mention funny? It’s very funny. Hearing what we were planning, Alan Bennett gave us the rights. I would love to thank him in person at some point, suffice it to say that’s pretty special.

We’re performing at The Tabard in Chiswick in January*, we’ve funded the production to this point with fabulous donations- now tickets are on sale .How did I feel thirty  odd years ago when I left drama school? Nervous and excited. How do I feel now? Pretty similar, but with rhe added knowledge that every penny we take at the Box Office goes to a fabulous cause.See you there!

*24th-28th January

Tickets  through Ticketzone 08444 99 99 55.  I knew you’d ask.