The first song I remember hearing
Space Oddity by David Bowie, in our flat in Belsize Park in north London, as a kid. My parents played a lot of music. They were real hippies, bohemians. They’d listen to David Bowie and I’d listen to musicals like West Side Story.
The first single I bought
I had a little record player in my room, and I remember putting on a Beatles seven-inch that had Penny Lane on one side and Strawberry Fields Forever on the other. My mum used to work at Camden Market. I probably picked it up from there or from a jumble sale.
The best song to play at a party
I’d always play Dancing Queen by Abba at some of my first parties, aged between 11 and 14. Those were the best parties, they were so exciting.
The song I do at karaoke
I’ve done Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen so many times. Back in the day, you’d just put on loud music, jump on the sofas, run around and put on a real performance. You can really act it out. Plus you can be as camp as you want.
The song I inexplicably know every lyric to
I’m really bad at learning lyrics, even when I sit down and practise. I had to learn lots of songs at stage school. The one I probably know the most lyrics to is Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces because an old boyfriend and I used to sing it to each other.
The song I secretly like but tell everyone I hate
I’d play Eternal Flame by the Bangles and The Universal by Blur on the school run and would always have a cry. I’m not sure why. I think it was probably the stress of being a mum by day, doing theatre by night and having a lot of weird things going on in my life.
The song I can no longer listen to
I really liked U2 early on. They used to play at the Moonlight in Kilburn in north London. I’d play With Or Without You over and over. I think I played it too many times and then couldn’t ever play it again.
The song I wish I had written
My Way by Paul Anka [who wrote the English lyrics]. I love all the different versions, from Frank Sinatra to David Bowie to Sid Vicious. What a powerful song.
The song that changed my life
I’ve had four kids. Some were born to specific songs. I was living in LA and went into labour at a Radiohead gig. I rushed to the hospital in a stretch limo – which was very LA. We played Tiny Dancer by Elton John and Iris, my second eldest, was born.
The song that gets me up in the morning
Sunny Afternoon by the Kinks.
Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance is available on digital platforms from 30 October.
