FIRST IMPRESSIONS: LESLEY JOSEPH
What are you working on?
I am about to start work on Hot Flush, a musical with four women and one man. It is about a certain time in a woman’s life, with fabulous songs and a lot of funny scenes. And, of course, Birds is back on TV.
When were you at your happiest?
Looking back, my childhood was so idyllic and life was so uncomplicated that it was a magical time.
What is your greatest fear?
Anything happening to those close to me.
What is your earliest memory?
Playing in our garden pond. I was probably about three. Our house was the hub for all the family and we would end up in the garden, eating huge teas with bread and jam and homebaked cakes.
What do you dislike about yourself?
My indecisiveness. I once sat in a hotel room for half an hour to see if I liked that room better than the one I had been given. I often find it hard to say no to things and when I do, I spend time wondering whether I should have said yes.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My mother. She is 101 and her motto was always ‘Worry about things you can change and don’t worry about those you can’t.’ The other influence was my headmistress. She was the one who told my parents they should let me go on the stage.
What is your most treasured possession?
A little red shoe made of a sort of pottery. It belonged to my Russian granny and it was on the table in the flat where she lived. I also have her dresser and when I open it I can smell my childhood again.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wish I was a little bit taller. I am about five inches shorter than I would like to be.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness. I dislike sitting in a restaurant and seeing people being rude to waiters. There is a quote that says, ‘Be kind to others as everyone is fighting their own battles’.
What is your favourite book?
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I was so blown away by her writing that I never wanted it to end.
Your favourite piece of music?
Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart. I used to play in an orchestra and this was a piece I always loved.
Your favourite film?
To Kill A Mockingbird. The scene of Scout walking through the woods dressed as a ham has stayed with me.
Your favourite meal?
I have to watch my weight so this would be a cheese omelette, which I could eat every day.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Elizabeth I. It fascinates me how a woman ruled for so long in such a violent world of plots and factions and how she came through unscathed.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
I am used to having bad reviews – but people in the public eye have to have tough skins.
Do you believe in aliens?
If we are here and there is a huge planetary system out there, then why shouldn’t there be another planet with life?
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes. I love to receive letters and I love choosing a card that is appropriate and sending it with thanks. I think people really appreciate it.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘D’you know what I mean!’
What would most improve the quality of your life?
An ability to say no and take more time off . Tell us something we don’t know about you. That I used to play the kettledrums, and I knit.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘She was kind to others and made us laugh.’
Lesley Joseph is appearing in UK theatres in Hot Flush! The Naughtiest Comedy Musical In Town! from 4 March to 23 May. For dates: www.ents24.com
I am about to start work on Hot Flush, a musical with four women and one man. It is about a certain time in a woman’s life, with fabulous songs and a lot of funny scenes. And, of course, Birds is back on TV.
When were you at your happiest?
Looking back, my childhood was so idyllic and life was so uncomplicated that it was a magical time.
What is your greatest fear?
Anything happening to those close to me.
What is your earliest memory?
Playing in our garden pond. I was probably about three. Our house was the hub for all the family and we would end up in the garden, eating huge teas with bread and jam and homebaked cakes.
What do you dislike about yourself?
My indecisiveness. I once sat in a hotel room for half an hour to see if I liked that room better than the one I had been given. I often find it hard to say no to things and when I do, I spend time wondering whether I should have said yes.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My mother. She is 101 and her motto was always ‘Worry about things you can change and don’t worry about those you can’t.’ The other influence was my headmistress. She was the one who told my parents they should let me go on the stage.
What is your most treasured possession?
A little red shoe made of a sort of pottery. It belonged to my Russian granny and it was on the table in the flat where she lived. I also have her dresser and when I open it I can smell my childhood again.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
I wish I was a little bit taller. I am about five inches shorter than I would like to be.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
Rudeness. I dislike sitting in a restaurant and seeing people being rude to waiters. There is a quote that says, ‘Be kind to others as everyone is fighting their own battles’.
What is your favourite book?
Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. I was so blown away by her writing that I never wanted it to end.
Your favourite piece of music?
Sinfonia Concertante by Mozart. I used to play in an orchestra and this was a piece I always loved.
To Kill A Mockingbird. The scene of Scout walking through the woods dressed as a ham has stayed with me.
Your favourite meal?
I have to watch my weight so this would be a cheese omelette, which I could eat every day.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Elizabeth I. It fascinates me how a woman ruled for so long in such a violent world of plots and factions and how she came through unscathed.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
I am used to having bad reviews – but people in the public eye have to have tough skins.
Do you believe in aliens?
If we are here and there is a huge planetary system out there, then why shouldn’t there be another planet with life?
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes. I love to receive letters and I love choosing a card that is appropriate and sending it with thanks. I think people really appreciate it.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘D’you know what I mean!’
What would most improve the quality of your life?
An ability to say no and take more time off . Tell us something we don’t know about you. That I used to play the kettledrums, and I knit.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘She was kind to others and made us laugh.’
Lesley Joseph is appearing in UK theatres in Hot Flush! The Naughtiest Comedy Musical In Town! from 4 March to 23 May. For dates: www.ents24.com