Cambridge Evening News - Venue, Thursday May 15th, 2003

Mrs Lawson's Professions
Supermodel turned actress Twiggy will soon grace Cambridge Arts Theatre to star in Bernard Shaw's provocative play, Mrs Warren's Profession. Sureka Fernando spoke to her.

Known internationally as the world's first supermodel, Twiggy became an overnight success at the age of 16. Reaching cult status for her twig-thin figure and demure looks, her glittering career in modelling was quickly followed by award winning parts on stage and screen.
As an actress she made her debut appearance in Ken Russell's The Boy Friend winning two Golden Globe awards.
Now 53 and preferring to be billed with both her names - Twiggy Lawson - this sixties icon is playing the title role in Bernard Shaw's controversial play Mrs Warren's Profession.
Banned for 25 years, the provocative comedy about sexual liberation, hypocrisy and prostitution was long considered too risqué for the English stage.
But Cambridge audiences will see the sparkling play resurrected by top production company, Theatre Royal Bath.
Mrs Warren, played by Mrs Lawson, is a charming, wise old bird of a bordello madam, barely contained in a decidedly vulgar but respectable Victorian veneer.
Her ambitious, intelligent and independent daughter, Vivie Warren is a Cambridge-educated, feisty young woman with high principles and low tolerance.
So how will she react when she suddenly discovers the awful truth that her privileged lifestyle has been financed by the proceeds of a chain of brothels across Europe?
Twiggy said: "This is a remarkable play about sexual liberation at a time where there was none. The double standards of Victorian society and the difficult dilemma of comfort versus morality tear mother and daughter apart forever and, although the writing is witty and comical, it also has this very upsetting side."
A fiercely protective mother herself, Twiggy said: "Mrs Warren's toughness is the product of hash experiences and I can identify with that. I was a shy, insecure schoolgirl when I was first recognised and suddenly my life was changed. People tried to manipulate me and push me around but I've learnt over the years not to suffer fools gladly.
"Mrs Warren begins life from the lowest rung of the social ladder, fighting for every inch of respectability gained so that her daughter doesn't have to experience the same harshness that life has dealt her. And this is something I can relate to as well. My daughter is my best mate and I'd do anything to protect her. She is the only person I would kill for."
On stage however, Twiggy enjoys the screaming matches that take place between Mrs Warren and Vivie, played by Hannah Yelland.
She said: "These are the most fun to do. And it has made me discover one of the best ways to lose weight - screaming for half an hour wearing a corset. It's exhausting!"
Twiggy's real family life is blissfully happy. Married to actor Leigh Lawson, she still sports a tiny frame and youthful good looks. 
So what is the secret of her success?
"My family comes first", she said. "Leigh and I believe that marriage comes before career. If one of us has a major role, the other allows for that, so we get to spend enough time together.
"I take care of myself well, too. I don't diet - I've always been naturally thin. But I'm a very sensible eater and I never eat junk food.
"As for my looks, I'm just very lucky. I've had a great life modelling, acting and singing. And every day is different, that's why I love it."
Twiggy will appear in Sir Peter Hall's production of Mrs Warren's Profession from Monday, 19 to Saturday May 24 at the Cambridge Arts Theatre.