Honeysuckle Weeks in 'Absurd Person Singular'

Fans of Honeysuckle Weeks may be in for a bit of shock when they see her in Alan Ayckbourn's 'Absurd Person Singular'.

"I start off playing a seemingly normal and sane person," she explains. "But by the end of the second scene my character, Eva Jackson, falls apart, attempting suicide several times. It might not sound it, but it is funny.

"The play is obviously different to most other things I've done. However, Eva is similar to Samantha in that they are both challenging, very determined people. But doing comedy is certainly a challenge."

Featuring an all-star cast which includes Sara Crowe ('Four Weddings And A Funeral'), Matthew Cottle ('Game On'), Marc Bannerman (Eastenders), Deborah Grant ('Bergerac') and David Griffin (Hi-de-Hi), 'Absurd Person Singular' is a classic comedy.

Set in three different kitchens, on three consecutive Christmas Eves, the play charts the success of the Hopcrofts, as they attempt to rise up the social ladder, eventually overtaking the friends who once patronised them. Havoc ensues at the drinks party they hold to impress their high-powered friends – but that’s nothing compared to what happens over the next two years when the friends return their hospitality!

"The tour has been going so well," says Weeks, who last performed at the King's Theatre three years ago as Viola in Shakespeare's 'Twelfth Night'.

"We have a great cast but, unlike my TV work, working in the theatre is so much harder, especially when you have to learn all your lines. The hours are better, though."

The actress who started out her career at a very young age maintains she has no real worries about finding work when she eventually becomes old and grey.

"I was recently quoted as saying, 'You don't need to retire in acting, as there will always be a need for a granny somewhere.' And it's true. Look at the likes of Helen Mirren or Dame Judy Dench – they're still performing, and in mainstream films at that. If anyone needs a granny in the future, I'll make myself available."

Source and source. Interview edited for length. Play ran in 2008