The Random 19 Questions – because one set of answers simply wasn’t enough, Sir Derek stayed for an encore, tackling our quickfire Random 19:
What’s your relationship (if any) with Dorset? We would holiday in Swanage when I was a child – I remember going to Corfe Castle
What was the last song you sang out loud in the car? I Am What I Am from La Cage aux Folles – I was enjoying the Shirley Bassey version
What was the last film you watched and would you recommend it? Frankenstein – and yes, do watch, it’s epic and it looks great on the big screen.
It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do? Drink wine and find a quiz show to watch on the TV!
What is your comfort meal? Fish and Chips
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I only ever wanted to be an actor
What little luxury would you buy with £10? As many pork pies as it would get me!
What was your greatest extravagance? Spending all my money in local restaurants in Cambridge when I was at University. I hated eating in halls, I think I only went once.
What’s the best biscuit for dunking? It has to be the chocolate digestive
What was the first book you read and loved? Murder at the Vicarage, Agatha Christie.
What’s your secret superpower? Having four plays in my head at one time – we had to do this when I was in rep at the RSC.
Cats or dogs? Tell us about yours? Dogs. We have an Irish Terrier called Daisy, she has an incredibly generous nature.
What’s your most annoying trait? Constantly losing my glasses.
What totally irrational thing makes you unreasonably cross? When things don’t run to time.
What shop can you not pass without going in? A Gails bakery – specifically for their cheese straws
What was your first job? I helped in my dad’s sweet shop in Chingford – I was mostly tasked with cutting up the rations coupons.
What completely ordinary thing brings you disproportionate joy? Sitting quietly in my chair, looking out at my garden.
Chip Shop Chips or Home Baked Cake? See number 5 – chip shop chips, please!
You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do? I’d make it law that everyone must do one good thing for someone else. The bonus of that is that it’s totally free!
