My London: Katherine Parkinson

The stage and TV star lets her hair down at Lucky Voice, drinks at Rules and first kissed her husband under the Waterloo station clock
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Home is…

Blackheath with my husband, daughters and cat.

Which hotels do you stay at in London?

I like the Rosewood for its Face Place spa and for Scarfes Bar.

What do you collect?

I used to collect thimbles but then I got a life.

Best meal?

Marcella in Deptford with my children and mother-in-law, who knows her food, and we all agreed it was the best pasta we’d ever had.

Marcella

Which shops do you rely on?

Daniel Galvin for my entirely natural hair colour. Paul A Young on Wardour Street for chocolate mice for my daughters and the best brownies in London. Wolford for classy leggings and pretty underwear.

Favourite pub?

I like the bar at Rules and The Nell Gwynne pub.

What are you up to for work at the moment?

I’m on tour in the National Theatre production of Home, I’m Darling, and I’ve written a play, Sitting, which has just opened at the Arcola.

Alamy Stock Photo

Bus, taxi or Tube?

I love the Tube and I am loyal to black cabs over Uber, but I feel like I spent my whole childhood on buses, so would rather walk if I can.

Where would you recommend for a first date?

The Whispering Gallery at St Paul’s if you want to seem original.

Where do you work out?

Work out what? Occasional and brief jogs in Greenwich Park.

Where would you like to be buried?

I got married at The Actors’ Church, St Paul’s in Covent Garden, but I’m not sure I could be buried there without auditioning first.

What is the most romantic spot in London?

Below the clock at Waterloo station where I first kissed my husband. I think Del Boy was stood up there once though.

Waterloo Station clock
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Who is the most iconic Londoner?

Charlie Chaplin.

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

I dated one briefly — does that count?

Where do you let your hair down?

Lucky Voice.

What is your London secret?

Greenwich Market — it’s wonderful.

Spectators are advised to avoid crowded areas like Greenwich
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Who do you call when you want to have fun?

My cast from Dead Funny — Ralf Little, Rufus Jones, Emily Berrington and Steve Pemberton — because they are all dead funny.

What’s your biggest extravagance?

I am extravagant full stop. It’s a problem.

Who is your hero?

There are too many to mention — but Natasha Gordon is an actress who was also the first black British female playwright to have her play [Nine Night] in the West End.

Katherine Parkinson’s ‘Sitting’ is at the Arcola Theatre unti 11 May (arcolatheatre.com)

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