Jenny Galloway

Q & A with Jenny Galloway when she starred as 'Mrs. Brill' from 1 Sep - 29 Nov 2009 in Walt Disney's and Cameron Mackintosh's Broadway production of Mary Poppins which opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre on 16 Nov 2006, following previews from 14 Oct 2006, and closed on 03 Mar 2013.

Place of birth
London England

Did you go to training school, if so which one?
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, UK

As an actor, do you have a preference for stage, tv or film?
I love the stage the best, it's different every night and you can keep working at the piece.

Your first stage performance.
(not counting a shepherd in the school nativity play) Flipote in Tartuffe at the Pitlochry Festival Theatre in Scotland.

Career highlight to date.
Having now performed on both Broadway and in the West End!

What is it like returning to the role of Mrs. Brill, and how does playing the role on Broadway compare to your London performance?
Returning to Mrs Brill - It was unexpected. I was happy to have another look at her, she is part of a double act really and the fun this time was developing a working relationship with my Roberston Aye (the wonderful Mark Price). I asked a lot of him and he has delivered in spades, we have tremendous fun, and so do the audience! It is not that different really to doing it in the West End, except the schedule here is crazy!

I became a fan after seeing you perform as Sarraghina in the Donmar Production of Nine in 1996/97 - Could you share a few thoughts about what you remember about playing that role?
'Nine' - It is a great role, in a wonderful musical. I remember the first time the stage filled with all fourteen very different women as we descended a spiral staircase and the intake of breath from the audience was audible as we launched into the overture, thrilling. And who wouldn't want to sing 'Be Italian'?

What has been your most embarrassing moment on stage?
My first job in Scotland- I was an acting/asm and all the shows were in repertory which meant we had very little time for anything let alone sleep. One afternoon I stole away to my digs for a nap. The next thing i knew, banging on my front door(this was before cell phones) I was late, boy was I late so late that I missed the entire show! I got carpeted the next morning and just died of embarrassment. I still cannot take a nap in the afternoon, unless I have nothing to do in the evening!

What roles would you most like to play?
I would love to have another chance at Mrs Lovett.

Who are your Favourite actors?
Stage- Dame Judi Dench, Penelope Wilton, Michael Gambon and many more. Film - Al Pacino, Meryl Streep, and many more

What is the most annoying part about your job?
Having to wear a wig - the really bad hair after the pin curls come out!

If you hadn't become a performer, what might you have done instead?
Been the iron chef! Or something to do with food!

Favourite books
The Summer Book, by Tove Jansenn, The Kitchen Diary's by Nigel Slater

Favourite films
Bringing up Baby, Top Hat, Dog Day Afternoon. Pan's Labyrinth.

Favourite TV programs
Damages, The Simpsons, and any David Attenborough wildlife documentary

Favourite holiday destinations
Portugal- Lisbon, and San Francisco

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you take with you?
Pillow, swiss army knife, and a bottle of the finest white rum to go with the coconuts of course!

Do you have any superstitions?
I didn't think i had any but I realize that i always put my left shoe/ boot on first in the dressing room ....