066: Cheryl Fergison (Part One)

Join host Andrew Keates for *The Show People Podcast*, recorded live from The Two Brewers in Clapham. This is Part One of a funny, heartfelt and wonderfully candid conversation with actor, singer and author Cheryl Fergison. Known to millions as Heather Trott in *EastEnders*, Cheryl has a lifetime of stories beyond Albert Square. In this first half of their conversation, she and Andrew explore the experiences that shaped her: a working-class childhood, finding humour in the face of bullying, a passion for community theatre and an unpredictable journey into the West End, television and the Royal Shakespeare Company. Cheryl discusses why queer spaces matter, her lifelong LGBTQIA+ allyship and the enormous pride she takes in her son, Alex. She reflects on writing her autobiography, recovering from a stroke and learning to embrace who she is. There’s also a glimpse of the television series she and Alex are writing together, alongside her excitement about the film *Tits Up*. From training at Rose Bruford to arriving at Wigan Pier expecting a seaside theatre, Cheryl shares the unexpected beginnings of her professional career. There are tales of learning the cello for *Chicago*, her mother meeting Peter Bowles, working with Kenneth Connor and Alec Guinness, and an RSC audition that involved improvising Shakespeare — without realising Trevor Nunn was in the room. Along the way, Cheryl and Andrew speak openly about body image, class, belonging and the masks we learn to wear. Andrew reflects on his own ADHD diagnosis, while Cheryl describes fighting for support for her son. The conversation also explores the craft of making a small role memorable, with reflections on *’Allo ’Allo!*, *Doctor Who*, *Little Britain* and *Beadle’s About*. Warm, irreverent and full of laughter, this is a conversation about finding your voice, standing up for other people and discovering that a career can take you to places you never imagined. **Episode Highlights Include:** Why queer venues, Pride and knowing LGBTQIA+ history matter to Cheryl Motherhood, her bond with Alex and the television series they are writing together Writing her autobiography, turning 60 and finding perspective after a stroke Childhood bullying, body image and learning to use humour to fit in Working-class identity, belonging and the different faces we show the world Training at Rose Bruford and her love of community theatre and workshops A first professional job at Wigan Pier — with an unexpected shortage of seaside Learning instruments for the stage, including the cello for *Chicago* ADHD, Andrew’s experience of diagnosis and Cheryl’s determination to get her son support Memories of Peter Bowles, Kenneth Connor and Alec Guinness Improvising Shakespeare at an RSC audition and failing to recognise Trevor Nunn Creating distinctive characters in small television roles, from *Doctor Who* to *Little Britain* **Like and Subscribe** Make sure you like and subscribe to be notified the moment Part Two is released! **Support Us** If you enjoy the podcast, please consider making a donation to help us nurture LGBTQIA+ theatre-makers and proudly tell Queer stories, by visiting www.queertheatre.co.uk/support-us. **Sponsors & Supporters:** **Theataccounts:** The entertainment industry's trusted accountants, looking after thousands of clients across theatre and performance. Connect at www.theataccounts.co.uk or Instagram: @theataccounts. **Videography by Ned Wakeley of The Showreel Company** theshowreelcompany.com | Instagram: @theshowreelcompany_ **Photography by Sean Lindsell** @skl.photog on Instagram **Audio and Stage Management by Liam Chaplin** @djliamchaplin on Instagram **Cheryl and Andrew’s Hair Styled by** Louis Wilson **Special Thanks** Oliver Blatherwick, Rhys Godfrey and the staff of The Two Brewers. **Queer Theatre** This podcast is proudly produced by Queer Theatre, committed to LGBTQIA+ storytelling and nurturing Queer talent. Discover more about our acting classes, Queer Play Reading Club, showcases, live events and community. **Connect at** www.queertheatre.co.uk Instagram: @QueerTheatreUK TikTok: @QueerTheatreUK Threads: @QueerTheatreUK **Follow The Show People Podcast** Instagram: @theshowpeoplepodcast X: @ShowPeopleUK www.queertheatre.co.uk **Follow Andrew Keates** Instagram: @MrAndrewKeates TikTok: @andrewkeates X: @andrewkeates www.andrewkeates.co.uk **Follow Cheryl Fergison** Instagram: @cherylfergison1 *Behind the Scenes* by Cheryl Fergison is available now in print and audiobook editions.