Imelda Staunton's My London

Home is…

North West London. I am a north-of-the-river girl.

Last play you saw?

Jerusalem at the Apollo Theatre. The writing and the whole cast, headed by the extraordinary Mark Rylance, were fantastic.

Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?

A first date in a little French restaurant in Camden Town that no longer exists. It went well; I ended up marrying him.

Best building to be locked in overnight?

The British Library because I’m ashamed to say I’ve never been, so I’d like to get in there and get looking.

Favourite shops?

Food chains such as Paul and Wagamama in Covent Garden because I need to eat before going on stage. For everyday clothes I love North Face and Rohan, and for smarter options I like Whistles and Agnès b on Marylebone High Street. For books, I rummage in Daunt Books in Hampstead.

Best meal you’ve had?

Oysters at Rules on Maiden Lane with Stephen Sondheim and Michael Ball. Oo-er, get me!

Earliest London memory?

Discovering St Paul’s aged 14 on a ‘day out’ in London during the school holidays with my mates. I grew up in Archway and I was annoyed that I hadn’t seen it before.

What would you do as Mayor for the day?

Give everyone free tickets to the theatre.

Favourite pub?

I’ve never been a pub girl.

Favourite London discoveries?

The combination of old and new at Borough Market. The selection of cheese, bread, coffee and fruit is fantastic. I go before lunch to avoid the crowds.

Who do you call when you want to have fun?

The National Theatre box office and then my 18-year-old daughter Bessie, who is my theatre companion. We love anything from Shakespeare to Mamma Mia! and everything in between.

Where do you go for a nightcap?

The Club at The Ivy for a glass of nice, dry, white wine.

Have you ever had a run-in with a London policeman?

No, I feel that’s all lying ahead of me. I don’t, however, fancy being kettled as my daughter was while on the student demonstrations last year.

Best piece of advice?

A director told me very early on in my working life: ‘Talent can go so far but it’s hard work that makes a career.’

What animal would you like to be?

My dog Molly. She’s a Cairn cross rescue dog and has a great life. She waits for me in my dressing room every night.