Lauren Hall is the latest actor we’ve lined up for the Curtain Call treatment who is appearing in the Mercury’s production of the brand new musical entitled Pieces of String. It runs at the Colchester theatre from this Friday, April 20, until May 5. For tickets call the box office on 01206 573948 or go on-line at mercurytheatre.co.uk

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

My parents met doing amateur dramatics, they are still involved in it today, I got started through going along with them and wanting to join in from as early as two years old.

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

My husband is also an performer, we have been lucky enough to do six musicals together from performing at the Royal Albert Hall to Tokyo and Toronto. He is currently in the new production of ‘Sunshine On Leith’ opening at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

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

A performer called Anna Jane Casey is my biggest inspiration. She has it all, a true triple threat, I don’t think there’s anything she can’t do. Also she is a wonderful company member who everyone wants to be around and to top it off she’s an amazing Mum too.

What formal training have you done?

I trained at Arts Educational School in West London, I had a great time and am so glad I went there.

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

Unfortunately not, I’m a strong tap dancer which has helped me in some roles I have played but that’s as far as my special skills go. I wish I could play an instrument.

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

I think being able to play both Louise and June in Gypsy opposite Imelda Staunton’s Rose has to be my highlight

Gazette: Lauren Hall in Pieces of String Picture: Robert Workman

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I actually have loads of these, from a nose bleed in a love duet to kicking a tap shoe into the audience but most recently I did panto in Milton Keynes and as Cinderella I had a flying carriage that flew out over the auditorium. One day it didn’t work, I turned upstage where the cloth usually flies out to reveal the coach. Nothing happens. I do a twirl to pad some time... still nothing. I turn to the front and wave. The ensemble are now in the aisles of the auditorium waving at me as I’m supposed to be above their heads. Big music is playing and I just stand there and sing something, couldn’t tell you what, I just busked it. It was the longest few minutes of my career.

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

I’ve already said her but Anna Jane Casey, and also Carly Bawden - I love everything she does.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I honestly don’t know the answer to this, I would love to play a song and dance role like Sweet Charity but I’d also love to play Eliza Doolittle or LV in Little Voice. My dream list is as long as my arm. I’d also love to create more new roles like Anna.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

I don’t know that I have actually corpsed on stage professionally. Loads in rehearsals though. Once on stage when I was about 13 I played Cecily Cardew in my drama school production of The Importance of Being Earnest and I just wasn’t expecting the audience to laugh at the Lady Bracknell scenes so much. I just lost it and was trying to hold it in, my face was bright red.

Any big plans for the future?

It’s really hard to plan anything in this industry, if I can continue doing what I’m doing I will be very happy.

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

I like to record the other characters lines on my phone leaving a blank space for my own lines then I can practice to myself to learn my cues.