FIRST IMPRESSIONS: RUTHIE HENSHALL
What are you working on?
I’m touring with my own show, An Intimate Evening With Ruthie Henshall, and I’ve just brought out a new album.
When were you at your happiest?
I would probably say now. It’s taken a while to get there but I have much more balance in my life and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. When I was younger, I was full of anxiety. I was also very happy when I was with John Gordon Sinclair [to whom she was engaged].
What is your greatest fear?
Not being there for my children, or something happening to them.
What is your earliest memory?
I was barely out of nappies and I ran down the garden and pooed my pants. My mother made me strip off at the back door because she wouldn’t have it in the house.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My father.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I obsess over things; I find it very difficult to let things go. It drives me crazy that I can’t move on.
What is your most treasured possession?
My children, although they’re not my possessions. Object wise it would have to be photographs. If they went up in smoke, it would break my heart.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
I can’t bear a tight man. And I don’t like liars.
Do you have a fantasy address?
I think it would have to be around Regent’s Park. I love the park and those tall town houses. I wouldn’t even need a huge one – just a decent-sized one.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Unless I’m going somewhere, I tend not to make enough of an effort. I’m fairly happy with myself; I’ve never felt I wanted to look like anyone else, but I think I should make more of my appearance.
What is your favourite book?
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. I don’t know why it makes me cry, but it does. It’s a children’s book but it’s about how we can change.
What is your favourite film?
Singin’ In The Rain. The dancing is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. I love Gene Kelly, he is one of my idols.
What is your favourite record or piece of music?
Fauré’s Requiem – it’s absolutely beautiful and I love the sound of choirs.
What is your favourite meal?
Macaroni cheese.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Jesus, because I would like to know what really went on and whether he really was the son of God. And my sister, Noel, just because I want her back [she committed suicide]. I’d also have Gene Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Judi Dench; I think she is phenomenal. I’ve never seen anybody make Shakespeare as real as she does. She makes the language sound as if she is just talking.
Which historical character do you most admire?
For her dress sense alone, Audrey Hepburn.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
I really can’t think of one. The nastiest thing anyone could say to me would be, ‘It’s all your fault.’ I hate being responsible for something awful that might have happened.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
I’ve given up smoking so it can’t be that any more. I like nice clothes. I’m really bad with money. I don’t even know what a budget is.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes. We love getting them and I’ve been brought up to send them.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m very tired at the moment and I don’t know why.’
What single thing would improve your quality of life?
I just bought it actually – a Nespresso Machine. It has completely changed my life. In one minute I have the perfect cup of coffee. It’s amazing.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Beloved mother’.
An Intimate Evening With Ruthie Henshall is currently on tour and Ruthie’s CD, I’ve Loved These Days, is out now. Details at www.threepinproductions.com or www.ruthiehenshall.com
I’m touring with my own show, An Intimate Evening With Ruthie Henshall, and I’ve just brought out a new album.
When were you at your happiest?
I would probably say now. It’s taken a while to get there but I have much more balance in my life and I’m much more comfortable in my own skin. When I was younger, I was full of anxiety. I was also very happy when I was with John Gordon Sinclair [to whom she was engaged].
What is your greatest fear?
Not being there for my children, or something happening to them.
What is your earliest memory?
I was barely out of nappies and I ran down the garden and pooed my pants. My mother made me strip off at the back door because she wouldn’t have it in the house.
Who has been your greatest influence?
My father.
What do you most dislike about yourself?
I obsess over things; I find it very difficult to let things go. It drives me crazy that I can’t move on.
What is your most treasured possession?
My children, although they’re not my possessions. Object wise it would have to be photographs. If they went up in smoke, it would break my heart.
What trait do you most deplore in others?
I can’t bear a tight man. And I don’t like liars.
Do you have a fantasy address?
I think it would have to be around Regent’s Park. I love the park and those tall town houses. I wouldn’t even need a huge one – just a decent-sized one.
What do you most dislike about your appearance?
Unless I’m going somewhere, I tend not to make enough of an effort. I’m fairly happy with myself; I’ve never felt I wanted to look like anyone else, but I think I should make more of my appearance.
What is your favourite book?
The Selfish Giant by Oscar Wilde. I don’t know why it makes me cry, but it does. It’s a children’s book but it’s about how we can change.
What is your favourite film?
Singin’ In The Rain. The dancing is beyond anything I’ve ever seen. I love Gene Kelly, he is one of my idols.
What is your favourite record or piece of music?
Fauré’s Requiem – it’s absolutely beautiful and I love the sound of choirs.
What is your favourite meal?
Macaroni cheese.
Who would you most like to come to dinner?
Jesus, because I would like to know what really went on and whether he really was the son of God. And my sister, Noel, just because I want her back [she committed suicide]. I’d also have Gene Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Judi Dench; I think she is phenomenal. I’ve never seen anybody make Shakespeare as real as she does. She makes the language sound as if she is just talking.
Which historical character do you most admire?
For her dress sense alone, Audrey Hepburn.
What is the nastiest thing anyone has said to you?
I really can’t think of one. The nastiest thing anyone could say to me would be, ‘It’s all your fault.’ I hate being responsible for something awful that might have happened.
Do you believe in aliens?
No.
What is your secret vice?
I’ve given up smoking so it can’t be that any more. I like nice clothes. I’m really bad with money. I don’t even know what a budget is.
Do you write thank-you notes?
Yes. We love getting them and I’ve been brought up to send them.
Which phrase do you most overuse?
‘I’m very tired at the moment and I don’t know why.’
What single thing would improve your quality of life?
I just bought it actually – a Nespresso Machine. It has completely changed my life. In one minute I have the perfect cup of coffee. It’s amazing.
What would you like your epitaph to read?
‘Beloved mother’.
An Intimate Evening With Ruthie Henshall is currently on tour and Ruthie’s CD, I’ve Loved These Days, is out now. Details at www.threepinproductions.com or www.ruthiehenshall.com