What drew you to want to be involved in The Croft? 

The concept of the play is really interesting. I love the idea of it being a ghost story, I’ve only ever done one of those before. It’s set in the Highlands, and I play a former inhabitant of a croft, who reveals her story to the modern-day visitors.  

Can you relate to the themes of the play? 

I live in an old house myself, and I’m very aware of the people who were there before me – it’s sort of seeped into the stone. I think time is somehow permeable, as the play suggests. I’ve also spent a lot of time in the Highlands. We have relatives who lives near Elgin, and I absolutely adore it. I’d love to have my own little croft! 

Are you excited to work with Original Theatre for the first time? 

Absolutely. I went to see their production of Birdsong recently, at Alexandra Palace, and I thought it was wonderful. It’s a very timely play for the moment, examining the futility of war. I was advising everyone to see it before the tour finished. 

Do you enjoy touring? 

I do, apart from having to leave the dog! The nice thing about touring is that you get to see so many different cities. I probably know this country better than anyone thanks to my work. And this time I’m going to get know some new theatres, such as the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh and Liverpool Playhouse. 

Did you always want to be an actor? 

Yes, ever since the age of six. My father was a producer at the BBC, and was working on a programme called Jesus of Nazareth. They needed two young children for the filming, so my sister and I were taken along. My sister screamed the place down and was taken home, but I got to walk out and sit on Jesus’s knee. I loved it, and decided there and then that acting was the life for me, and 60 years later I’m still doing it. 

You started your career in Australia – how did you find the return to the UK? 

I lived out there with my parents and I got cast in a show called Skippy, which became a big international success. When I subsequently came back here in the late 60s, it was with the intention of earning enough money to make it back to Australia. I got taken on by an agent and got a role in a very successful series called Take Three Girls, which was the first TV drama series in colour. Then my parents came back to the UK, so I ended up staying. So in a sense I’m still saving up to get back! 

You’ve worked extensively on screen, but is theatre your first love? 

Absolutely. I started off in theatre – in fact I even appeared as a baby in a production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at Farnham rep. I’ve loved it ever since. 

Who have been your favourite co-stars and collaborators? 

Alan Ayckbourn has been a big influence on me. In fact later this year I’ll be appearing in his 96th play. To work with him in his theatre in Scarborough is my spiritual theatrical home. When I started the director Val May was a huge support, and employed me in Bristol and Guildford. I love farce, so Ray Cooney was brilliant to work with. And I’ve worked with some amazing actors, from John Nettles and Ben Kingsley to Richard Burton.  

What advice do you give to younger actors? 

Firstly, don’t do it, unless you absolutely have to. It’s really, really hard, especially these days. But if you do go for it, make sure you work in theatre, if you can. It’s such a wonderful training, and I think it’s a great shame we don’t have rep companies any more. 

How do you relax away from the stage? 

I walk for miles with the dog. I love dogs – when I was in Woof! I had nine of them, because people kept giving me strays. I also read a tremendous amount, and I live in a village that has lots of activities to keep me busy such as keep fit classes and OAP lunches. 

What sort of evening can audiences expect from The Croft? 

I’d say if you like a ghost story, and a very well written play about relationships, do come along. It’s a really exciting piece of new writing. Plus there’s nothing quite like sitting in a live audience watching something together. I don’t think there’s anything better, and it goes right back to the very beginning when we sat round fires telling stories.  

The Croft is coming to The Liverpool Playhouse Tue 1 Jul- Sat 5 Jul 2025. For more information about the show visit, https://everymanplayhouse.com/event/the-croft/

Writer: Theo Bosanquet