Portrait of the artist: Prunella Scales, actor

What got you started?

My mother was an actor and my father loved the theatre, so acting was always in the air. But when I got into the Bristol Old Vic theatre school, my headmistress wrote to the director and said: "Are you sure this girl should be an actress? We wanted her to try for Cambridge." Of course, this was used as a stick to beat me with for the rest of my training.

What was your big breakthrough?

I don't really recognise the concept of a big breakthrough. I got a job right out of drama school as assistant stage manager at the Bristol Old Vic. I've been lucky enough to stay in work ever since.

What have you sacrificed for your art?

My family. But they seem to have forgiven me.

Do you suffer for your art?

Yes. A good actor just wants to deliver the writing to the audience who've paid that night. There's an agonising desire to get it right.

What's the greatest threat to theatre today?

A lack of funding for theatres, especially regional ones.

Stage or screen?

Both. Plus radio. It's a wonderful medium: on my 50th birthday I played a seven-year-old child on radio, and nobody turned a hair.

What advice would you give a young actor?

Keep still. I can't bear it when young actors do too much finger-wagging. It spoils the audience's concentration.

What's the biggest myth about actors?

That we're superficial, and concerned only with fame and fortune. That's cruelly untrue of nearly every actor I know.

What work of art would you most like to own?

Any painting by Corot. He conveys character and feeling beautifully.

What's the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Look after your health. This came from Litz Pisk, my movement teacher at drama school. She theorised the importance of physical discipline for an actor.

Do you read your reviews?

Oh, yes. But one should not be overdiscouraged by adverse ones, or let the good ones go to one's head.

Is there anything about your career you regret?

Not playing more classical roles when I was younger. But I do hope to play some of the older ladies – like Paulina in The Winter's Tale. In this industry, you can keep going until you drop. I intend to die on the eighth curtain call.

In short

Born: Surrey, 1932.

Career: TV and radio work includes roles in Fawlty Towers, Rumpole of the Bailey and Mapp & Lucia. Performs in Carrie's War at the Apollo Theatre, London, (0844 412 4658), until 12 September.

High point: "Possibly Fawlty Towers. It was a tough job, but I'm still proud of it."

Low point: "Being out of work is very depressing. But luckily I haven't been there for a long time."

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