My mother had lived in London since I was little, so she never got to see my school plays and stuff.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I always loved being in London and being near my parents.
I came to London when I was 16 and lived with my older sister.
The first time my mum and dad went to the theatre was at my drama school in third year.
I grew up in a middle class English family just outside London. I wasn't surrounded by that speedy city lifestyle, it was a little mellower.
Right before I graduated from the national theatre school, I got the part of Roxie Hart in 'Chicago' in Copenhagen. That led to me playing it here in London. I was 26 when I came over for that. It was the first thing I did as a professional, and it is still the experience of my life.
I couldn't afford to go to drama school in London. Then I met with the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, and I fell in love with the city. It was one of the few schools that offered me a place. It didn't do me any harm.
In spite of holidays when I was free to visit London theatres and explore the countryside, I spent four very miserable years as a colonial at an English school.
I used to visit London when I was younger with my family. I feel very close to the city.
Although I'm not from London originally: I moved down here when I was 16, so it's played a part in my life. It's where I've lived for all that time.
I didn't actually grow up in London.