FIRST IMPRESSIONS: DENISE VAN OUTEN
What are you working on?
My musical play [Some Girl I Used To Know], which I’m very excited about. It’s been on tour already so it’s not going to change much – I just need to relearn it.
When are you at your happiest?
When the sun is shining – I’m a summer person. I love being at my place in Kent with my daughter in the garden.
What is your greatest fear?
Missing out on things. I’m one of those people who will go to bed really late because I think I could miss something on TV.
What is your earliest memory?
I was about three or four and I remember my neighbour joked that I could go on holiday with them. When you’re a child you believe it and I remember packing my case and my mum saying, ‘They were only joking, darling,’ and me being disappointed.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I find it very difficult to switch off.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Sylvia Young. I went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School and I’m thankful to her. She said to me: ‘Don’t focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you’ll always work.’ It’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever had. I’ve managed to have a really varied career.
What is your most treasured possession?
A Montblanc pen. I’ve signed practically every working contract with it: my Big Breakfast contract, my Chicago contract. All the jobs I’ve loved and enjoyed were signed with that pen.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
People who are tight with money.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wouldn’t say ‘most dislike’, but I’m not good at doing my own hair. If I try and do it for a night out or for an event, I always hate it. The worst time for me is on holiday. Every photograph of me on holiday, I’ve always got terrible hair.
What is your favourite book?
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis. I’m a bit of a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan.
And your favourite film?
The Notebook – it’s an amazing film, a proper chick flick.
What is your favourite song?
I’m a big Phil Collins fan – In The Air Tonight is a great track.
What is your favourite meal?
A traditional Sunday roast.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Phil Tufnell, Michael Vaughan, Barbara Windsor, David Walliams, Julian Clary and Keith Lemon. And I’d have to have my mum and dad.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
When I was in Rent [the musical], a journalist wrote something about my appearance – I was too old to play the role and I was plain, old and wrinkly. I felt it was a real personal attack.
Do you believe in aliens?
I believe there’s something.
What is your secret vice?
Lately, it would have to be golf. I’m a bit addicted to it.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, I do.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘To be honest’ and ‘to be fair’.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Sunshine every day.
Can you tell us one thing that people might not know about you?
I spend quite a lot of time in my vegetable garden. I’ve got great potatoes.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘I had a bloody good time’.
Some Girl I Used To Know runs from 22 August to 13 September at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2: 020-7836 8463, www.somegirliusedtoknow.com
My musical play [Some Girl I Used To Know], which I’m very excited about. It’s been on tour already so it’s not going to change much – I just need to relearn it.
When are you at your happiest?
When the sun is shining – I’m a summer person. I love being at my place in Kent with my daughter in the garden.
What is your greatest fear?
Missing out on things. I’m one of those people who will go to bed really late because I think I could miss something on TV.
What is your earliest memory?
I was about three or four and I remember my neighbour joked that I could go on holiday with them. When you’re a child you believe it and I remember packing my case and my mum saying, ‘They were only joking, darling,’ and me being disappointed.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I find it very difficult to switch off.
Who has been your greatest influence?
Sylvia Young. I went to the Sylvia Young Theatre School and I’m thankful to her. She said to me: ‘Don’t focus on one thing, try and do all of it and you’ll always work.’ It’s the best piece of advice I’ve ever had. I’ve managed to have a really varied career.
What is your most treasured possession?
A Montblanc pen. I’ve signed practically every working contract with it: my Big Breakfast contract, my Chicago contract. All the jobs I’ve loved and enjoyed were signed with that pen.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
People who are tight with money.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wouldn’t say ‘most dislike’, but I’m not good at doing my own hair. If I try and do it for a night out or for an event, I always hate it. The worst time for me is on holiday. Every photograph of me on holiday, I’ve always got terrible hair.
What is your favourite book?
Scar Tissue by Anthony Kiedis. I’m a bit of a Red Hot Chili Peppers fan.
And your favourite film?
The Notebook – it’s an amazing film, a proper chick flick.
What is your favourite song?
I’m a big Phil Collins fan – In The Air Tonight is a great track.
What is your favourite meal?
A traditional Sunday roast.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Phil Tufnell, Michael Vaughan, Barbara Windsor, David Walliams, Julian Clary and Keith Lemon. And I’d have to have my mum and dad.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
When I was in Rent [the musical], a journalist wrote something about my appearance – I was too old to play the role and I was plain, old and wrinkly. I felt it was a real personal attack.
Do you believe in aliens?
I believe there’s something.
What is your secret vice?
Lately, it would have to be golf. I’m a bit addicted to it.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes, I do.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘To be honest’ and ‘to be fair’.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Sunshine every day.
Can you tell us one thing that people might not know about you?
I spend quite a lot of time in my vegetable garden. I’ve got great potatoes.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘I had a bloody good time’.
Some Girl I Used To Know runs from 22 August to 13 September at the Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, London WC2: 020-7836 8463, www.somegirliusedtoknow.com