Helen Baxendale

Actress Helen Baxendale chooses favourite pieces of writing, including poems by WB Yeats, Seamus Heaney and Edward Lear. Readers are fellow-'Cuckoo' stars, Esther Wilson and the comedian Greg Davies.

Star of 'Cold Feet', 'Friends' and 'An Unsuitable Job for a Woman', Helen reveals how she experienced love at first sight when she was introduced to fellow actor, David L Williams, at a rehearsal for one of her choices, 'La Ronde', by Arthur Schnitzler. On the preview night for the play, the director asked Helen and David to appear naked in one of the scenes together. This was Helen's parents' first introduction to the father of their grandchildren, naked on stage.

Helen's other book choices include 'The Poisonwood Bible' by Barbara Kingsolver, 'A Prayer for Owen Meany' by John Irving, and the lyrics to 'The Whole of the Moon' by The Waterboys.

Funny, touching and revealing about one of Britain's great comic actresses, Helen's 'With Great Pleasure' was recorded in her home and reflects a more intimate atmosphere.

Producer...Mary Ward-Lowery.