20 Questions: Gypsy's Lara Pulver – 'I might have been an athlete'

1. Where were you born?
Rochford Hospital, Leigh-on-Sea.

2. What made you want to become an actor?
I’ve always had a love of performing. Some of my earliest memories are of putting on shows with my sister for anyone who'd watch, although I was only allowed to be the hands of a ticking clock in the back of my sister's Bucks Fizz dance routines! Clearly I wasn't too scarred by the experience because when I was 13 I auditioned for the National Youth Music Theatre and, to my joy, got in. It was an incredibly formative experience. It's now come full circle – my first director at the NYMT was Frank Whately, brother to Kevin Whately, who I am now appearing alongside in Gypsy.

3. If you hadn't become an actor, what might you have done professionally?
I loved sport, any sport. I might well have become a professional athlete.

4. First big break? Career highlights to date?
I've been really fortunate with the opportunities I've had. Parade at the Donmar Warehouse was the most extraordinary and fulfilling show to be a part of. Sherlock however, has certainly opened many doors.

5. Any regrets?
No.

6. What was the first thing you saw on stage that had a big impact on you?
I remember going to our local theatre to see the stage version of the TV show Button Moon. I didn't move or say one word for the whole show. I was mesmerised.

7. And the last?
The Nether at The Royal Court. It was so disturbing, we all sat in silence for a time at the end of the performance. I was reminded again how lucky we are to have plays as thought provoking as this.

8. Who are your acting idols?
There are certain actors who have a commanding presence and dramatic integrity whatever genre they’re involved with. I really admire that. Kelly Reilly, Emma Thompson, Helen Mirren, Tilda Swinton, Judi Dench and Imelda Staunton.

9. What's the best advice you've ever been given?
That all of us have choices.

10. Why did you want to get involved in Gypsy?
Imelda Staunton! I loved the idea of exploring this dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship on stage with Imelda. I also loved previously working at Chichester and haven't performed in a musical since Parade, so it was time.

11. How have you prepared for the role of Louise?
There's a lot of wonderful source material when you play a real-life person. Many biographies, interviews, photographs. It's been fascinating to learn so much about vaudeville.

12. Favourite song in the show?
As a hopeless romantic it has to be "All I Need Now Is The Girl".

13. What do you hope people take away from the show?
The feeling that they've been utterly entertained.

14. Do you have a preference between film, TV and theatre?
No. I love all three for different reasons.

15. Did you know much about Gypsy Rose Lee before the show?
I had an awareness of who she was but I knew very little.

16. What's it like being at the refurbished Chichester Festival Theatre?
I love working in Chichester. I was first here with Uncle Vanya in 2012, although that was in the Minerva, so I didn't actually get to work in the Festival Theatre as it was before the refurbishment. But like the Minerva, I know how much actors like working in these buildings. And even more so now – the new green room and backstage area helps create such a terrific company feel.

17. Do you have any dream roles?
Yes… But that would be telling.

18. What's your favourite post-show hang out?
My bed!

19. If you could swap places with anyone for a day, who would it be?
One of the astronauts on the international space station. Although as I can’t even stomach a roller-coaster, I might struggle to get there.

20. What's next?
I'm getting married at the end of the year [to Spooks co-star Raza Jaffrey], so really should start getting things organised!

Gypsy begins previews at Chichester Festival Theatre tonight (6 October 2014) and runs until 8 November