FIRST IMPRESSIONS: JAMES DREYFUS
What are you working on at the moment?
Our crazy musical production of Candide at the Mercier Chocolate Factory – exhausting but fun.
When were you at your happiest?
The 1980s. My student days. Of course, like everyone else, I didn’t appreciate them till they were over.
What is your greatest fear?
The ongoing rise of religious extremism. Deranged, deluded and unbelievably dangerous.
What is your earliest memory?
A dream in which the clown doll from the BBC test card flew at my face and attacked me. I’ve never forgiven the ruddy thing. Nor that grinning girl with her chalk. Also, I fell into a pond when I was small. I remember sinking to the bottom and seeing the sky through the water, before someone pulled me out. I wasn’t scared, though, which is odd.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I can be very moody and grumpy.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My former drama teachers, Derek Cannon and Martin Tyrell. Both had a huge impact and encouraged, nurtured and, sometimes, raged at me, which all helped. And my wonderful parents.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dog, Calvin. He’s rude, obnoxious, wilful, arrogant, spoilt and I wouldn’t be without him for a second. (He does have some bad traits, too…)
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve never been a great fan of my appearance – or my hair. I spent many a tortured day as a teenager, feeling awkward and ugly.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Self-importance, smugness and arrogance.
What is your favourite book?
Laurie Lee’s Cider With Rosie. A portrait of an England long gone.
Your favourite film?
The Exorcist. We have not seen its like since. Cinematic perfection.
Your favourite piece of music?
What Power Art Thou, Cold Genius, from Purcell’s King Arthur.
Your favourite meal?
Most shellfish: lobster, crab, crayfish, jumbo prawns. I don’t eat it that often but when I do, I pig out.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Richard Dawkins, Tony Hancock, Francis Bacon, actresses Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon, and Barry Humphries.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
People tend not to say them to my face but you can sense an unpleasant attitude, especially when you shake hands and say hello.
What is your secret vice?
I don’t consider it a vice, but I guess most people would: smoking.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always. Extremely bad manners not to.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I don’t believe it.’ Living in London there are 100 things a day that can boggle the mind.
What would most improve the quality of your life?
A small cottage deep in the countryside, so I could get away from the madness of the capital.
Tell me something people don’t know about you
I’m unbelievably socially inept sometimes. I don’t like crowds, or parties or clubs and I find small talk almost impossible. Although after two glasses of wine, things do get easier!
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Was that it?’
Candide is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 55 Southwark Street, London SE1 until 22 February: 020-7378 1713, www.menierchocolatefactory.com
Our crazy musical production of Candide at the Mercier Chocolate Factory – exhausting but fun.
When were you at your happiest?
The 1980s. My student days. Of course, like everyone else, I didn’t appreciate them till they were over.
What is your greatest fear?
The ongoing rise of religious extremism. Deranged, deluded and unbelievably dangerous.
What is your earliest memory?
A dream in which the clown doll from the BBC test card flew at my face and attacked me. I’ve never forgiven the ruddy thing. Nor that grinning girl with her chalk. Also, I fell into a pond when I was small. I remember sinking to the bottom and seeing the sky through the water, before someone pulled me out. I wasn’t scared, though, which is odd.
What do you dislike about yourself?
I can be very moody and grumpy.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My former drama teachers, Derek Cannon and Martin Tyrell. Both had a huge impact and encouraged, nurtured and, sometimes, raged at me, which all helped. And my wonderful parents.
What is your most treasured possession?
My dog, Calvin. He’s rude, obnoxious, wilful, arrogant, spoilt and I wouldn’t be without him for a second. (He does have some bad traits, too…)
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I’ve never been a great fan of my appearance – or my hair. I spent many a tortured day as a teenager, feeling awkward and ugly.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Self-importance, smugness and arrogance.
What is your favourite book?
Laurie Lee’s Cider With Rosie. A portrait of an England long gone.
Your favourite film?
The Exorcist. We have not seen its like since. Cinematic perfection.
Your favourite piece of music?
What Power Art Thou, Cold Genius, from Purcell’s King Arthur.
Your favourite meal?
Most shellfish: lobster, crab, crayfish, jumbo prawns. I don’t eat it that often but when I do, I pig out.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Richard Dawkins, Tony Hancock, Francis Bacon, actresses Geraldine Page and Ruth Gordon, and Barry Humphries.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has ever said to you?
People tend not to say them to my face but you can sense an unpleasant attitude, especially when you shake hands and say hello.
What is your secret vice?
I don’t consider it a vice, but I guess most people would: smoking.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Always. Extremely bad manners not to.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I don’t believe it.’ Living in London there are 100 things a day that can boggle the mind.
What would most improve the quality of your life?
A small cottage deep in the countryside, so I could get away from the madness of the capital.
Tell me something people don’t know about you
I’m unbelievably socially inept sometimes. I don’t like crowds, or parties or clubs and I find small talk almost impossible. Although after two glasses of wine, things do get easier!
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Was that it?’
Candide is at the Menier Chocolate Factory, 55 Southwark Street, London SE1 until 22 February: 020-7378 1713, www.menierchocolatefactory.com