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What interested you in becoming a performer?

I said I'd go to dancing classes when I was four because my brothers, when asked if they wanted to go, said no. I always wanted to do the opposite of them.

Have you always wanted to be a performer?

Not really. But I do love doing it!

What special skills do you have?

I'm over thirty five and still working but apart from that I've no special skills I can think of.

What training have you done?

I trained as a ballet dancer until I was seventeen.

Can you describe your exercise and diet regime?

The show is enough exercise for me and as for diet, I eat lots and try to make sure it's fairly varied.

Do you do extra exercise when not performing?

Not really.

Which has been your favourite role?

Tulsa in Gypsy.

What would be your dream role?

Real-life lottery millionaire.

Who has been the most influential person in your theatre career?

Gillian Gregory. She choreographed 'Me and My Girl' and apart from being a great choreographer (she won the Tony Award for M&MG) she has a no-nonsense approach that you rarely find in musical theatre.

Is there anyone you have always wanted to work with?

Dawn French

What was the best advice given to you?

Blink when you sing or you look scared.

Have you ever had any injuries while performing?

I tore my cartilage in my knee during my first year in 'Cats'.

Of all the characters you've played, which have you most identified with, and why?

Mark in 'A Chorus Line'. He is supposed to be a fairly normal, slightly naïve boy who just wants to do the job. Back in '87 that was me.

Are there any that you'd like to play again?

I would do 'A Chorus Line' again if they did it in London. But I'm much too old to play Mark!!

Which was the most difficult role you've ever played?

Munkustrap.  Vocally it sits badly in my range so it has been a struggle to get right and there's a lot of running about while you sing so that makes it hard to breathe.

How do you prepare yourself to play unusual roles (such as those in CATS)?

Cats is about as unusual as they come. Apart from warming up it's just a case of get out there and pretend.

What do you think you bring to the roles you play?

Hopefully enough enthusiasm to not look bored or be boring.  And I hope I add to the story being told.

Do you consider yourself to be primarily a dancer, singer or actor, or an all-rounder?

An all-rounder.

What do you enjoy most about performing?  And least?

I enjoy the fact that it doesn't feel like work, more like play.  And I hate it when I'm not in the mood to play but have to anyway!

How is television and video work different from live shows?

You don't have time to work on things to get them how you want or find new things in what you're doing. That suits a lot of people, but not me.

Which do you prefer?

Theatre.

What were the most memorable moments of your career?

Being offered the jobs are the really memorable bits for me. I get excited about what the job could be like and the knowing that out of so many people you were the one they gave the job to.

If you did not work in the theatre what would you like to do?

I don't know yet. I'd love to write.

What was the most discouraging time in pursuing your career?  

In the late eighties the work dried up for many of us and the mortgage rate went sky-high.

Have you ever thought about giving up?

Yes, many times.

If so, what changed your mind?

I get another show.

What would you like to be doing in ten years' time?

Watching my children grow up and doing something (I don't know what yet) that pays me enough to keep my family and have a good life.

What advice would you give to future performers?

It can be a great job so enjoy it and get as much out of each show as you can (even the ones you hate!)