My London: Denise Gough
Home is
Where my parents are, in the West of Ireland in County Clare, but I’ve been renting in Hackney for 20 years.
Ever had a run-in with a policeman?
Several. The most recent was for running a red light on my bike near Bank. I got a £30 fine and felt really mortified.
Best place for a first date?
A walk along the river then a pub lunch. It’s a good way to discover if you like someone enough, if you feel comfortable to eat in front of them.
Best piece of advice you’ve been given?
‘Progress not perfection.’ It resonates with me because our generation seeks perfection too much but so long as you are moving forward, that’s enough.
Most romantic thing someone’s done for you?
Come to the stage door between shows of People, Places, and Things for a kiss and to bring me blue M&M’s — my favourite.
Building you’d like to be locked in overnight?
The Angels costume warehouse in Uxbridge. It has gorgeous original pieces from the Twenties to the Seventies. It’s all to die for.
Best place for a nightcap?
J Sheekey’s, around the corner from the Wyndham’s Theatre, for a chamomile tea.
Last play you saw?
The Dazzle at the Found111 theatre, which was so inspiring.
What would you do as Mayor for the day?
Organise a march on Downing Street to demand we do more for the Syrian refugees.
Earliest London memory?
Finding an abandoned tumble dryer on Coldharbour Lane and carrying it home with a friend. I was 17 at the time and living in a squat in Camberwell. We were delighted to find it actually worked.
Last album you downloaded?
Ultimate Prince. I was devastated when I heard he died.
Favourite London shops?
Bunch — a florist under Dalston Arches — for my favourite tulips and blush roses; the East London Vintage fair in Clapton; Coffee Craft in South Norwood and Hash (above), an old-school café on Dalston Lane.
If you could buy any building in London which would it be?
Just a lovely house in Hackney would be fine for me. It’s such a beautiful area.
Who would you call when you want to have fun?
Mark Rylance and his gorgeous wife, Claire. He did it the right way round — great family life, lovely kids and then career.
Biggest extravagance?
Eating out. I love having gorgeous food made for me.
Best meal you’ve had in London?
A Byron burger with my fella after the Olivier Awards.
What do you collect?
Vintage dresses. I have about 100 in my Hackney attic flat.
See Denise Gough at SohoCreate Festival, running 6-10 June (tickets.sohocreate.co.uk). Gough is attending the Action on Addiction fundraising evening with AA Gill. To attend, contact katie.blower@actiononaddiction.org.uk
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