Sally Ann Triplett

Published Wednesday 3 May 2006 at 11:10

Currently starring in Guys and Dolls, Sally Ann Triplett is one of the best known faces in musical theatre.

What is the highlight of your career to date?

My highlight so far has to be Anything Goes. Every department was playing at the top of its game. Trevor Nunn directing, Stephen Mear choreographing, Gareth Valentine in charge of music and general naughtiness, Anthony Powell on frocks - God, I love that man - a wonderful cast and, oh yeah, Cole Porter. People camped outside the National in our last week hoping for a ticket. It was a magical time.

What made you choose your current role?

Guys and Dolls is one of the greatest musicals of all time and as my mate Jenna Russell said to me: “If we wait until the next time someone puts it on we’ll be too old.” It is a great show, a great part and a wonderful company.

Where did you train?

At the still fabulous Arts Educational Schools.

What was your first big break?

When I was 20 I had a hit record with a Eurovision entry called One Step Further. We were called Bardo and we reached No 2 in the charts. That was a great time but I suppose my musical theatre break was playing Rizzo in Grease.

Who has been the most inspirational person in your career?

People can inspire you every day in this profession but if I had to pick three they would be Miss Hughes and Miss Melody from my first dancing school, Celia Imrie - if you’re lucky enough to work with her you either want to be her or fall hopelessly in love - and Sir Trevor Nunn, a genius.

What would you go and see if you were going to the theatre?

I don’t get to see much theatre because recently I haven’t had any time off but if I do get the chance it’s usually a play. The last production I saw was Measure For Measure at the National which was awesome. I loved King Lear with David Warner at Chichester last summer also.

Who would be your dream opposite leading man/lady?

Without a shadow of doubt it has to be Paul Newman. I don’t know if there’s much chance of that though.

What is your lucky charm or do you have any superstitions?

With every show comes a stack of superstitions. If I shared them all with you there is a chance I might be locked up. At the moment I have a lucky popper on my Miss Adelaide blouse. It has to be done up or I will simultaneously combust onstage.

What was your funniest moment?

When you are in a long run the one thing that will get you through are your fellow actors and a good deal of laughing. One that springs to mind and stopped me from singing - and breathing - was when Celia Imrie’s eyelash came off during Acorn Antiques. It doesn’t sound all that funny I know. It was the seriousness in Miss Imrie’s eye that sent me reeling.