GEMMA Wardle is currently sprinkling Christmas magic as Fairy Bowbells in Salisbury Playhouse’s Dick Whittington and His Cat, which runs from December 4 to January 11. Wardle’s many theatre credits include the London productions of Les Misérables, Fame and Into the Woods.

What is your most precious possession and why is it important to you?

My watch. It was the first watch I ever had. A blue Snoopy watch that was given to me for Christmas by my parents when I was about five years old. I still wear it – my boyfriend got it fixed up for me.

What was the first record/CD you bought?

Wham – Make It Big album. I wore that record out, though I’ve still got it! I was in the Wham Fan Club, don’t you know.

What is the radio/television show you hate to miss?

Modern Family. Every member of the cast in that show is brilliant. Phil Dunphy is my favourite character. It’s the kind of show I’d love to be in.

What is your pet hate?

Rude people. It’s a big bugbear of mine when people don’t have any manners.

If you could change one thing about the place where you live, what would it be? I’d put the sea right in front of me with a beautiful sandy beach. It’s my dream to have a beach house one day, somewhere warm.

What are you reading at the moment?

Stephen King’s 11/22/63. It’s about a man who travels back in time to try to prevent the assassination of JFK.

It’s Stephen King back to his very best.

Is there anything you are superstitious about?

Magpies and whistling in theatre dressing rooms.

(I’m constantly saluting single magpies).

What is your favourite word?

‘Gorgerama’ – a made up word that I stole from my friend Geoff.

And your least favourite word?

Is council tax two words?

If you were choosing a last meal, what would it be?

Cheesy chips from Ed’s Diner and macaroni cheese.

Is there a place in the world you would like to visit above all others?

Peru. It’s a place that fascinates me – I’ve always wanted to go and hopefully one day I will.

What do you wish you were good at? Playing the piano. I can’t at all and I really wish I’d learned when I was younger.

If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?

Frank Sinatra. I’d love to have a good ‘ole sing song with him.

If you had a time machine where would it take you?

Back to 1950s America. I just love everything about that era, and I’m obsessed with diners.

What was your most embarrassing moment?

I think one of the most embarrassing moments for me was when I was playing Eponine in Les Misérables a few years ago and I got my foot caught in the hem of my costume coat. Just as I’m about to sing On My Own I fell flat on my face, couldn’t get my foot out of the hem and ended up going round and round on the revolve while singing the song, looking like a flailing trout!

Is there someone well known you’ve met who really impressed you? Robert Sherman of the famous Sherman Brothers, who wrote some of the most memorable Disney songs. I worked with him on the music from a show called Piccadilly that was written back in the 60s. He was such a lovely, inspiring and generous man.

If you were stranded on a desert island what luxury would you choose to have with you?

Music. I’d get through it if I had music to listen to.

If you owned a company what kind of company would it be?

A bookshop. A lovely, cosy shop with big sofas and chairs and cakes.

Books and cake – can’t beat that!

Tell us about a pet you own or would like to own.

My insane cat Gimshoo. He’s a beautiful Havana and he’s named after my boyfriend’s dad’s donkey that he had when he was a child.

What is your party trick?

Making a chicken out of a tea towel – I’m a riot at dinner parties.