14 Oct 2026
We ask a different figure from the local community to choose 10 questions to answer from a list of 50. This week: Lorraine Stanley, former EastEnder and star of this year’s Harpenden pantomime at the Eric Morecambe Centre. Her many TV credits include Call the Midwife, Waking the Dead, Inspector Lynley and Spooks, and she was nominated for a Best British Actress Award at the London Critics Circle Awards in 2007 for her performance in London to Brighton and a Best Supporting Actress at the British Independent Film Festival in 2014 for Top Dog.
Where do you most like to have a picnic in Harpenden?
I love Batford Springs. We often go there in the summer for picnics and a dip in the river. There is so much wildlife there and the waterfalls and stepping stones are great fun.
What’s your favourite place to have breakfast in Harpenden?
Okka on Harpenden high street is a family favourite. They do the best Eggs Benedict. Our daughter Nancy loves their pancakes. The Menemen is great too, and with the chorizo is extra delicious.
Who is your favourite Harpenden musician or band?
Katie plus Juan are amazing!! We often go to the Marquis of Granby when they are playing. They also played at our weddings and were brilliant! They really get the whole crowd singing together.
What was your best subject at school?
Drama obviously. I was the class clown so drama came naturally to me and give me an outlet to release my crazy energy.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve always wanted to be an actor although I never thought that would be within reach by a girl from a council estate. When I went to college to do a BTEC in performing arts they asked what I’d like to do and I said “I’d love to be a Redcoat” ha ha. But as the course went on I got into acting more seriously and made it to drama school in London. Proof that you can achieve your dreams if you want it enough.
What’s your worst habit?
I still suck my thumb. I mean I love it but it has ruined my teeth hence why they’re so bucked. But I can’t see me stopping anytime soon. It’s a 50-year habit.
Where do you buy your coffee in Harpenden?
Brad & Dills do a lovely coffee. They also have cool artwork and a friendly vibe.
Which three people, living or dead, would be your ideal dinner party guests?
Bob Marley, Amy Winehouse and Kathy Burke. Three absolute legends.
Were you well behaved at school?
I was always the class clown which was not welcomed too much by the teachers. I think this was the start of discovering I wanted to be a performer. I had my first audiences in the classroom.
What’s your favourite Harpenden pub?
It has got to be The Marquis of Granby. A really old quirky pub with amazing food. Especially the tapas and roasts. They have BBQs in the summer and great live music.
