20 Questions with … Great Expectations’ Paula Wilcox

Paula Wilcox is currently appearing as Miss Havisham in Great Expectations at the Vaudeville Theatre.

The production, which has been adapted for the stage by Jo Clifford, also stars Jack Ellis as Jaggers, Chris Ellison as Magwitch, and Paul Nivison as Adult Pip. It runs until 1 June 2013.

Wilcox is perhaps best known for her role in TV comedy Man About the House. Theatre credits include Bea, Canary and La Cage aux Folles. Other TV credits include The Green Green Grass and Emmerdale.

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Where did you grow up?  
Manchester.

Where do you live now? 
London.

What made you want to become an actress? 
Seeing panto – I wanted to be Cinderella!

What else might you have done professionally?  
Interpreter – loved language and the study of languages.

First big break?  
The Lovers, TV series written by Jack Rosenthal.

Best piece of advice? 
Just do your best.  You can’t do better. 

What was the first thing you saw on stage that had a big impact on you?  
Henry IV Part 1 at the Library Theatre Manchester.

And the last? 
Daddy Long Legs at the St James’s Theatre.

Do you often get recognised, and if so for which role? 
Man About The House has been on TV for as long as my career; also The Queen’s Nose, The Smoking Room and now Mount Pleasant on Sky TV.

What are you reading at the moment?  
Charles Dickens by Claire Tomalin.

What’s your favourite website?  
UK train times app.

Favourite holiday destination?  
Anywhere sunny and hot.

Do you have any pre-show rituals? 
Makeup, makeup, makeup.

Why did you want to get involved with this production?  
The script by Jo Clifford, and the vision of Graham McLaren.

What’s your favourite line in the play?  
Two lines – Pip: “I think London suits me, Joe.”
Joe: “I wouldn’t keep a pig in it myself.”

Have you been especially influenced by any previous interpretations of the role?  
No no no.

How did you feel about doing a live cinema broadcast? 
Tried not to think about it!  It’s a great idea, though.

Which role(s) is top of your wish list? 
I always trust that somebody, somewhere, is thinking of me for a great role!

Great Expectations continues at the Vaudeville Theatre until 1 June