1. Were you familiar with Spamalot before getting the role of the Lady of the Lake? What process did you go through to winning the part?
I was very familiar with Spamalot. I have actually seen the show in New York and am going again soon to tie in with my costume and wig fitting. I am usually lazy with auditions, but for this one I bought the CD and learnt everything on it and then added in my own slant - I went to the audition feeling very confident, as I had worked on it to the nth degree.

2. Are you a big Monty Python fan? Which is your favourite film/sketch?
YES! When I was at school, I was always watching Monty Python and quoting all of the sketches and lyrics with friends. I love the 2 knights fighting and getting their arms and legs cut off in The Holy Grail. The stage version is very true to the original scripts.

3. What was the last show you saw in the West End and did you enjoy it?
I went to see Evita on my birthday with friends. The show has a fantastic energy. Matt Rawle was quirky and Elena Roger was dynamic. She had the presence of a 6'2'' man within her tiny frame. The whole focus was on her. I can see why Andrew cast her. I would like to take a leaf out of her book.

4. What is your ideal way to spend a day in London?
Meet up with my best friends, lunch, potter around in the afternoon, see a show, lots of good food and booze! I'm quite simple really!

5. At what point, or seeing which show, did you decide "I want to do this as my job"?
My mother was an opera singer at the English National Opera and I went to see her in The Mikado when I was 8. The funny coincidence is Eric Idle was playing Koko. I have a photo of them together! I sat in the rehearsals thinking this is what I want to do!

6. Who has been your favourite co-star to date and who would you love to work with?
Sévan Stephan in Lautrec - I was engrossed in his performance and he gave me a tingle. He was mesmerising. He didn't get the reviews he deserved - very sad this show didn't last.
I would love to work with Meryl Streep - I would have a pad and pen and take note of everything she did. I would do anything with Harry Connick Jnr!! I recently saw him in The Pajama Game in New York - he had such presence.

7. Much of your musical theatre work has been in original productions - Tonight's the Night, The Beautiful Game, Lautrec and Bad Girls the Musical - is this a conscious decision on your part and if this is the case, which current musical theatre role would you consider taking on?
I am not interested in being the 17th Fantine if you know what I mean. I want to be creative in my career. Creating a role from scratch and making a template for others to continue is what I am about. I would consider Evita but the guys in the ensemble wouldn't be able to wield me over their heads like they do with Elena! It is a part that has as much acting as singing, which is why I enjoyed doing The Beautiful Game - almost like a play set to music. Rizzo is the only part I have done that I didn't originate - It's the best part in the show and I couldn't say no!

8. What would be you dream theatre role to play?
Evita would be a dream role but I would love to do Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar - a fantastic role! I saw Zubin Varla in the role and he was amazing. I don't think I will ever be cast in the role though!

9. You have also worked extensively in television - which medium do you prefer to work in?
I love the immediate reaction you get from the audience in the theatre. TV is exciting but I never watch myself on TV with anybody around. I record it and watch it back alone and tear myself apart!

10. What is next for Hannah Waddington?
I can't wait to perform in Spamalot. I am looking forward to seeing the reaction of the audience when I make my entrance. Tim Curry sets the scene, choral music is heard, the floor opens and I appear - how camp is that! There was talk of an album between Bad Girls the Musical and Spamalot, but I am just going to take time out to prepare myself for this big project. One song in the show needs me to use my 4-octive range - a hard sing! There is talk of bringing Bad Girls the Musical into the West End and I am hoping I will be able to go into it when I finish my 11-month run in Spamalot. They would like to wait for me to finish Spamalot before bringing in Bad Girls the Musical - so I must be doing something right! I might release my album towards the end of Spamalot.

See Hannah in Monty Python's Spamalot from 30 September..