JOAN HICKSON

Retirement is fatal. Luckily, in my profession, you don't have to retire.

I love getting back to Wivenhoe. I get out of my wig, bustle and costume in three minutes flat at the end of the play before jumping into a taxi outside the theater and catching the train home.

Miss Marple believes in justice and has very high standards. There is nothing you could say or do that would shock her.

I was lucky not to have been born pretty.

I have never been a star; I'm just an old character bag.

I wasn't beautiful, so there were plenty of character roles. I never did any Shakespeare, I'm far too superficial for that. I just act instinctively.

I thought I was the wrong shape: that Miss Marple would be much fluffier than me, much more wearing shawls and things. But I was persuaded, and now, well - I can only do it my way.

I watch these old films in black and white, and suddenly the door opens, and there I am. The other day, I was wearing the most awful hat.

I love getting back to Wivenhoe. I get out of my wig, bustle and costume in three minutes flat at the end of the play before jumping into a taxi outside the theater and catching the train home.

I was lucky not to have been born pretty.

I wasn't beautiful, so there were plenty of character roles. I never did any Shakespeare, I'm far too superficial for that. I just act instinctively.

I watch these old films in black and white, and suddenly the door opens, and there I am. The other day, I was wearing the most awful hat.

Retirement is fatal. Luckily, in my profession, you don't have to retire.

Miss Marple believes in justice and has very high standards. There is nothing you could say or do that would shock her.

I thought I was the wrong shape: that Miss Marple would be much fluffier than me, much more wearing shawls and things. But I was persuaded, and now, well - I can only do it my way.

I have never been a star; I'm just an old character bag.