What's in my dressing room? – Laura Jane Matthewson

Laura Jane Matthewson is currently starring as Helen in Beyond the Fence at the Arts Theatre. Her previous theatre credits include Dogfight (Southwark Playhouse), for which she won the Evening Standard Award for Best Emerging Talent, and Daisy Pulls It Off (Hever Festival Productions).

We caught up with Laura to find out which five items she couldn't live without.

The Good-Luck-Vietnamese-Cook-Book

LJM: Jamie Muscato panic bought his opening night gifts for Dogfight and upon my suggestion of getting our director a 'nice book', he presented both Matt and I with Vietnamese cook books. I laughed for ages (and told him I'd rather have just had the fifteen quid..) but he'd written a lovely message inside of it that I ripped out and kept. Then I gave the exact same gift back to him on the opening of his next show. Now every time we do a job we get the book back with a new Good Luck message on the first page. This is Jamie's latest work… Supportive as ever.

The Panda iPhone

LJM: I like being able to stay in touch with all my special people when I have time (needy) and I bloody love Twitter. I also really like Pandas.

Soap & Glory

LJM: I get VERY hot and bothered onstage so I like having a few products on hand to freshen up after a show. Soap & Glory is my fave (especially the body mist) and it smells lush. Plus I'm a sucker for miniatures. I like holding them and pretending to be a giant.

The Headphones

LJM: It's lovely when a company get on well and are always chatting and having a laugh, but it's important (especially in a busy dressing room) to take some time on my own before a show to be quiet and focus. Headphones help. Sometimes focussing involves listening to "Firework" by Katy Perry. That song makes me feel invincible. I'm not even sorry.

The Rest of The Cast

LM: Space at The Arts Theatre is limited so us ladies are all together. I must admit that eight actresses in one little dressing room had the potential to be my worst nightmare, but everyone is so unique and supportive that it can be inspiring to be surrounded by such a strong female energy. Even if Annie Wensak is practically in the shower when sat at her own makeshift make-up station on the floor.

Beyond the Fence runs at the Arts Centre until 5 March.