Following her triumphant run in this year’s pantomime at the Mercury Theatre, former Eastenders and Holby City actor Carli Norris is back on the stage there playing the Governess in a new adaptation of Henry James’ classic ghost story, Turn of the Screw. It runs until March 10 and for tickets call the box office on 01206 573948 or go on-line at www.mercurytheatre.co.uk

What or who got you interested theatre? Did you take part in any productions at school?

My darling Dad was a drama teacher so we had plays galore at home! He had a drama studio in his school filled with costumes and props and would sometimes take me there on a weekend and I would dress up and prance around while he worked! My first role was Rizzo in Grease at school, I was 15.

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

Just my darling dad.

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

I once worked with Dame Diana Rigg and was awestruck. Although I find a lot of actors inspiring for different reasons. One of my greatest inspirations is Ray Cooney (playwright and director), he’s still going strong at 85 and laughing all the way.

Gazette: Ghost story - Annabel Smith and Carli Norris in rehearsals for Turn of the Screw

Ghost story - Annabel Smith and Carli Norris in rehearsals for Turn of the Screw

What formal training have you done?

I trained at RADA, but keep learning on the job all the time!

Do you have any specialist skills – anything from stilt walking to dress-making – which you work into your repertoire?

I make a lot of my own clothes. I have a shop in Colchester and online and we specialise in 1940s and 1950s designs. I also designed a line of wedding and red-carpet dresses which I have worn myself.

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

I’ll never forget my first job – Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion in the West End when I was 23. I also fell in love with Panto last year at the Mercury – playing a baddie was always on my bucket list. The Enchantress was a wonderful part to play.

Gazette: Design - Carli Norris

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I can’t recall anything embarrassing happening on stage – although I did take part in a charity fashion show when I was 15 and my dress fell down – mortifying!

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

Comedy actors are my favourites – Julie Walters in particular.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I always wanted to play Eponine in Les Misérables but was too tall, and of course now, too old. I’d quite like to play a supervillain. What fun that would be.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

During Panto at Christmas last year I lost it completely during a spell scene due to Mercury favourites Anthony Stuart Hicks and Dale Superville. I was crying so much I couldn’t get any words out.

Any big plans for the future?

Hopefully more roles at the Mercury – it is a wonderful place to be in and everyone who works here are like family.

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

Learning lines is like learning a song. The key is to read and understand everyone else’s lines so yours make sense.