Actress, presenter and West End performer Denise van Outen has enjoyed huge success in the world of entertainment since first bursting onto television screens back in the 90’s as the host of Channel 4’s weekly morning show, The Big Breakfast.
Following acting stints in various tv shows and films, stage success soon followed, with the Essex native wowing audiences in both the West End and on Broadway, appearing in theatre productions of Chicago (West End and Broadway), Tell Me on a Sunday (West End), Legally Blonde (West End) and Rent (West End).
For her latest project, Denise is teaming up with fellow performer and longtime friend Tamzin Outhwaite (Eastenders, New Tricks, Dun Breedin) to produce a brand new ‘pilm’ (play and film) adaptation of her one-woman play, Some Girl I Used To Know – available to livestream this weekend!
Some Girl I Used To Know
Written by Denise van Outen and music producer/novelist Terry Ronald, Some Girl I Used To Know tells the story of ‘Stephanie Canworth’, a super successful, lingerie designer who finds herself at a crossroads in life, unsure of what direction to take and conflicted as to whether to follow her head, or her heart.
Both hilarious and touching, the one-woman monologue (filmed in a luxurious suite at London’s Home House Club and Hotel), features a mixtape of songs from the 80s and 90s, including Soft Cell and Culture Club performed live by Denise. With music supplied by globally renowned producer Steve Anderson – famed for his work with Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears and Steps – the life-affirming play takes audiences on an emotional journey, through one woman’s plight to find true inner peace and happiness.
A percentage of profits from the live stream – which runs across four nights over the Easter weekend – will be donated to the Make a Difference Trust, who have been raising funds for theatre professionals forced out of work by the pandemic.
“To be back performing this play is a dream come true.” Denise says of revisiting the role of Stephanie. “I almost never imagined it would happen again but right now, with everything we are all going through it felt like time to do something special for people.”
“Having Tamzin on board made me feel totally at home and it’s been a special experience rebirthing the character of Stephanie. She’s finding her way, acknowledging her personal strength and navigating her way through a tricky situation. It’s a joy to play her again.”
We caught up with Denise for the latest in our ‘My London’ interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood:
I’d say Hampstead, because it’s the main place I go to, to visit and meet up with all of my London / industry friends. There’s always a good atmosphere and some lovely places to eat. I used to live there actually and I loved it – I always enjoyed going for a nice walk or jog on the Heath and visiting Kenwood House; it’s an amazing place!
Favourite place for brunch:
Well, if I’m going out for a fun brunch with my girlfriends then I’d say Bunga Bunga in Covent Garden – it’s a great place to go if you’re wanting to have a bit of boozy brunch! (Laughs) But when I’m in the mood for something a bit more civilised, and I fancy sitting outside on a beautiful terrace somewhere, then I’d go to Home House in London.
Best coffee in London:
I’m not a massive coffee drinker really, but if I’m out and about in the area then I do enjoy grabbing a takeout coffee from Gail’s Bakery in Hampstead. I’ll wander off and drink it whilst sitting quietly on a beach in the park people watching.
Favourite gallery or museum:
The National History Museum because it’s one place that I just find absolutely fascinating. I think a lot of people will remember going there as a kid on one of those obligatory school trips, and maybe being too excited and caught up in the fun of everything to take it all in, so when I go now, I’m just in awe. I also really love the London Transport Museum – I used to take my daughter there a lot when she was younger, and she always loved it; there’s so much to do and see… it’s definitely a good place to visit if you’ve got children.
Tell us a secret:
(At this point in our conversation Denise’s 10 year old daughter Betsy interrupts) Betsy: Mummy farts A LOT… especially in bed!
Favourite place to shop:
I’m a real high street girl to be honest with you, so I’ve got to say Oxford Street. I used to love Camden Market, just for the fact that it used to be a bit like a day out. And actually, when I think about it, over the years I was able to find some really great clothes there – clothes that I probably wouldn’t have been able to get anywhere else.
Favourite place to find inspiration:
If I’m looking for fashion inspiration, and to get new ideas for outfit, then I love to visit places like Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill. They’re both lovely little pockets of creativity in the city, where you’re almost always guaranteed to find something going on! I love how cosmopolitan and multi-cultural places like that are; you never know what you’re going to come across. You might see an incredible artist drawing on the street, or a cool singer playing some music… there’s a real buzz there, that I just love.
Best London destination for a date:
At the moment I would say Proud Embankment. It’s actually where I’m doing my burlesque cabaret show – but forgetting that, going there to me would honestly make for the perfect date night. If I wasn’t in the show, I would definitely go there with Eddie (Denise’s partner), because it’s got a bit something for everybody! It’s burlesque, it’s cabaret, there are acts from Cirque du Soleil and Moulin Rouge performing, the music is great and they serve amazing food – it’s such a fun little date night out!
Favourite park:
For me, the best park to visit is Regent’s Park. And I probably say that because I went to school in Marylebone, so I used to visit the area a lot as a kid – in fact I think we even had our school sports days there! It’s a great place and it holds lots of fond memories for me.
Favourite food market:
Do you know, I love the food and farmers market in Primrose Hill. It’s really nice, and I love how much the variety there is.
Your sanctuary in the city:
I’m going to have to say Hampstead again – Hampstead Heath, I just love it! Even when it’s really busy, there’s always little quiet corner you can find to just sit and watch the world go by; it’s a really lovely place.
What inspires you?
Creation, being creative and creative people. I really do find that artistic people with a passion, inspire me to do what I do. I like to watch artists/performers at work and see how their brains tick, and something as simple as that can motivate me to want to do something myself. And you know, that’s ultimately the reason why I wanted to do this streaming play, because I was in awe of all the people in our industry who have been finding new and exciting ways to perform whilst the theatres are closed.
This season I’m loving:
Right now I’m loving little knitted tank tops, they’re cute and fun aren’t they? It’s an interesting time in fashion isn’t it? Because at the moment, we don’t really know what’s ‘in fashion’ because we haven’t had any guidance over the past year as to what’s actually in style, because we haven’t been able to go out anywhere! I’m at a point now though, where I refuse to wear tracksuits and gym wear everyday, so I’m trying to make a little bit of an effort with my outfits! So yeah, I’m all about a 70’s inspired knitted tank top that you can wear over a cute summer dress or a pair of jeans.
