TAMMIE LIGHTFOOT has been a favourite on the Colchester community theatre scene for many years and a popular face in the cast of Chameleon’s Web. She’s back with the Colchester theatre group for this year’s open air tour of Terry Pratchett’s Carpe Jugulum. The group started with a packed three days last weekend and continue their summer tour with performance at the Whalebone pub in Fingringhoe on Saturday, August 13, at 5pm and then finally the Dedham Vale Vineyard on Sunday, August 14 at 6pm. For tickets, priced £11 for adults, £9 for concessions and £34 for a family ticket go on-line at www.ticketsource.co.uk/chameleonsweb or call 0333 666 3366.

What or who got you interested theatre?

I was painfully shy at school so they put me into a school play to try and help me with my confidence. I loved it and the beast was unleashed and I have not looked back.

Did you take part in any productions at school?

I was in most of my school productions until year 11 when we were not allowed because of GCSEs.

Are or were any members of your immediate family involved in the theatre?

No they are not really sure where I came from but they have always been amazingly supportive.

Who is the most inspiring person you’ve worked with and why?

Actually it is Suzanne Bailey. She is a wonderful director who knows exactly how to get the best performance out of a person or character. She is not only my best friend but the best director I have ever worked with and over the years I have worked with quite a few.

What formal training have you done?

I have been involved with many theatre groups since the age of eight and have taken part in many festivals and competitions. I also hold LAMDA qualifications in speech and drama.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your career to date?

I have been lucky enough to hold a number of roles over the years but my favourite is definitely Nanny Ogg. She is a character that has few limitations and who could not love playing a feisty, mad witch. No type casting involved at all! My best experience was writing Alice in Wonderland which the cast then performed and made it even greater than I could possibly have imagined.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I have my skirt pulled off when a member of the cast in Sweeney Todd tugged on it a little harshly. Ever the professional I stepped out it and carried on with the scene!

Which actor (s) performer (s) do you most admire and why?

All the cast and member of Chameleon's Web. They are such a talented and versatile bunch who make me feel both proud and humble at the same time. They are an amazing team.

What role would you most like to play and why?

Lady Macbeth. I have loved the play since I was a teenager. I was lucky enough to see it at Stratford upon Avon and the sheer power and intensity of it has always stuck with me. There are so many facets to her character and she fascinates me.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

Very nearly when I heard my dad say very loudly while sat in the audience of The Wizard of Oz "Oh my God she can sing!" it made the rest of the audience laugh, a lot.

Any big plans for the future?

I would like to get involved in writing more plays and am currently looking at possibilities for future outdoor productions.

Any tricks for remembering your lines or other useful tips to pass on to other actors/directors?

The 'English' teacher in me says there is no substitute for repetition.