Favourite things: Lorraine Bayly

LORRAINE BAYLY

THEATRE DOYENNE

Leather music satchel

Lorraine Bayly's voice brims with joy talking about her latest role as one of two women who survive a Japanese prisoner of war camp, in The Shoe-Horn Sonata.

At 78, her love of acting still strong, it may not be Bayly's last role, but it's certainly her last at The Ensemble Theatre, where she was a founding member 57 years ago.

"I couldn't possibly have said no to this role," Bayly said. It's a swan song as well for her co-star and director Sandra Bates.

The pair have been close friends for many years and rehearsals have had to stop so they could shed a few quiet tears during what they call "a sentimental journey".

"But then I'm a terribly sentimental person," admits Bayly. Ask her about her favourite thing, and it's like turning on a tap.

"I keep all my treasured things inside this leather music satchel I received when I was five years old and was starting to learn the piano."

She pulls out an item, her first tiny pair of shoes in pink leather. Then there's a walnut shell with a marcasite ring. "Oh, and here's my first pay packet. Will you just look at that! Three pounds and four shillings."

It's a time capsule of her life. Next is the key of her first car. "It was a Standard Eight. It meant the world to me because it meant I could go to acting lessons."

Rifling deeper, she pulls out the collars of her three beloved dogs. "There was Annie, then Benny Boy, then Lexie. I still miss them. They bring so much to your life, don't you think?"

Among other keepsakes, there's a poem from her father. "You will be in great glee, when you see you have steak for tea. But when you find you have to cook, you will say that's bloody crook! Cooking's no chop, must go, love Pop."

There's a last peal of that wonderful laughter. "I really must de-clutter my home, but this satchel is something I'd never throw out," she said. "I like to keep it close to me as much as I can."

John Misto's The Shoe-Horn Sonata is at The Ensemble until June 26th.