For the last in our special Pieces of String Curtain Calls we speak to founder member of Fascinating Aida, Marilyn Cutts who plays the pivotal Rose in this excellent new musical (see our review below). It runs at the Colchester theatre until this Saturday, 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?

Seeing Robert Stephens in The Royal Hunt of the Sun when I was 12. It was like watching a tightrope walker but there didn’t appear to be a tightrope.

The school I attended regarded anyone good at Arts subjects as a failed scientist. School productions were pretty dreary affairs, and if cast at all, I usually played men. A cat once.

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

Amateur only, but just as committed.

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

Hugh Jackman because he works so hard to achieve more, and David Suchet because he is simply amazing. They share an ability to double in size when on stage; I think that is called charisma.

What formal training have you done?

A post graduate Diploma in Drama at the Stables Theatre in Manchester, and since then dance, singing and movement lessons whenever I can. There is always something else to learn or maintain.

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

I wrote lyrics when I was with Fascinating Aida, but as for juggling oranges or any other such skills, I’ve had no call for them so far.

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

Performing the role of Mme de Rosemonde in Adam Cooper’s dance/drama version of Les Liaisons Dangereuses. I had to sing a baroque aria in French, while playing the harpsichord (a dummy keyboard, thank heaven) and dance with Mr and Mrs Cooper (plus supply some dialogue in French). We performed it at Sadlers Wells, where I had had my first singing lessons in an upstairs bar. If not exactly a homecoming, it made me very happy.

Gazette: Andy Coxon, Joel Harper-Jackson, Ella Dunlop, Marilyn Cutts and Carol Starks in Pieces of String - Photo by Robert Workman.

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?

I’m afraid it’s too embarrassing to mention.

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

Beverley Klein. Everything she does is original. David Suchet (See above). Neither of them put being loved or admired before telling the truth about the character they are playing. And Jonas Kaufmann (the German operatic tenor) is a GOD.

What role would you most like to play and why?

I’m still waiting for that role to be written.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

It is my job to entertain people who have paid for their tickets. It is not to entertain myself.

Any big plans for the future?

Hoping to eventually gain my Open University History degree. (Rather behind at the moment, due to rehearsals).

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

I wish I did.