Q1: What’s your favourite part of working with Faulty Towers The Dining Experience so far or favourite Faulty moment?
A: I just love playing Sybil. I was born in the ‘70s so was a young child when Fawlty Towers first aired. My primary school teacher, who encouraged me to be an actress, was a massive Fawlty Towers fan and we used to watch it on a huge box TV in the school library. The characters are so iconic and have stood the test of time. Sybil is such a fantastic character to play and I can’t believe that it’s my job!
Q2: Describe yourself in 3 words?
A: Blonde, dogs, ABBA
Q3: What’s your best (or worst) corpsing story?
A: I haven’t really corpsed myself yet, but watching Jordan (who plays Basil) with his head out of the door laughing at the little boy who stole the show by doing Basil’s bottle trick was very near!
Q4: What similarities and differences are there between you and the character you play?
A: My husband would probably say lots of similarities and no differences…Oh, except I don’t play golf! I do however talk non-stop, incessant rubbish and spend far too much on my hair and co-ordinating shoes.
Q5: If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?
A: I would be my dog ‘Trevor’, who’s a 12 year old Yorkshire Terrier. I’ve had him since he was a puppy and he’s spoilt rotten. Dogs are so much fun, loyal and loving. I adore him.
Q6: Who’s your favourite other cast member to share a dressing room with and why?
A: Ooh that’s so difficult, I’d hate to pick a favourite out of the boys… I do love the chemistry between Jack and Ed, they teach me lots of rude words and wind me up non-stop. I also love Paul and Brian, Paul says working with me and Brian is like being Dad to two squabbling twelve year olds, which I think must be a compliment?!
However, I’m going to go with Donna: although I never work with her as she’s another Sybil, she was there to guide me on my first two performances. I was really nervous but she held my hand and listened to me jabber on about total rubbish while providing a soothing motherly ear…she’s lovely!
Suzanna with Paul O’Neill (left) and Brian Roche (right) at The Charing Cross Hotel.
Q7: If your character had a dating profile, what do you think it would say?
A: Elegant, glamorous lady seeks gentleman who likes golf, big hair and listening!
Q8: What was your last tweet or Facebook status?
A: It was a picture of a baby monkey!
Q10: What don’t you leave home without?
A: Hand cream and Trevor (wherever possible)!
Q11: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: I think for anyone who has seen my Sybil’s rendition of Happy Birthday would have to agree that it is Opera singing!
I can also speak in almost any UK and worldwide accent!
You can follow Suzanna on twitter @SuzannaHughes to hear first hand what touring and performing with Faulty Towers is like.
Suzanna is currently performing at Charing Cross until the end of June and will then be at the Ghent Festival in Belgium in July.
