Victoria Wood's Genius Remembered: Friends and Colleagues Share Intimate Stories
On the 10th anniversary of Victoria Wood's death, those who knew her best—friends, fans, and actors—gather to celebrate the shy introvert who redefined comedy. From dazzling performances to brilliant writing, Wood's legacy as a maddening perfectionist and Easter Egg hunt maestro continues to inspire.
Duncan Preston: The Soft Top and Soft Spots
Duncan Preston recalls meeting Victoria Wood at Granada offices for her TV film, Happy Since I Met You. She had been at lunch with Julie Walters, both a bit refreshed, and their arrival was like a firing squad. Despite initial reservations, Preston was offered the part, marking the end of his serious acting ambitions. He became part of Wood's company, driving her to work daily in his Saab. She joked, "I love Duncan's soft top," and they became good friends, though Wood's perfectionism meant endless rehearsals to get lines exactly right.
Preston often felt like the token male, with disagreements on dinnerladies leading to a seething letter from Wood. The next week, he was inundated with tongue-twisters to learn, showcasing her demanding nature.
Nigel Planer: A Suburban Revelation
Nigel Planer first met Wood at Cardiff's Chapter arts centre, where she performed with poet John Dowie. In a male-dominated comedy scene, Wood stood out with her confident, suburban wit—no swearing or violence. Planer notes she wasn't even drinking in the bar after shows, a testament to her unique presence.
Sally Ann Triplett: Chauffeur-Driven Generosity
Sally Ann Triplett worked with Wood on Acorn Antiques: The Musical!, an eight-month process. Wood cast her as Miss Berta, showing generosity by sharing chauffeur-driven rides home and gifts for their daughters, both named Grace. Triplett describes Wood as a genius who could be tricky, always knowing what was needed. Despite Trevor Nunn as director, Wood gave constant notes, even whispering, "You're doing the whole of act one wrong." Her curtain calls at the Haymarket theatre, bowing to all sides, reflected her larger-than-life persona.
Jim Moir: Impressions and Film Gods
Jim Moir, aka Vic Reeves, worked with Wood on the BBC drama Eric and Ernie. Initially quiet, Wood opened up when Moir did impressions of other diners, leading to their first conversations as impersonations. During filming, a rainy day turned magical as clouds parted for a sunset scene, with Moir noting, "The film gods were shining on us."
Joanna Scanlan: A Version of Womanhood
Joanna Scanlan admired Wood from a young age, seeing her as delivering a version of womanhood that was vulnerable yet deeply realised. They became friends after Wood praised Scanlan's show Getting On, bonding over shared frustrations with the BBC. Working together on Fungus the Bogeyman, Wood acted as a personal coach, offering cunning notes. Scanlan describes Wood as shy, often sitting apart at lunch, but trusted her during her cancer diagnosis. Wood's love for music, with her piano as a centerpiece, provided solace and creativity.
Melvyn Bragg: A Gift for Humour
Melvyn Bragg reflects on Wood's gift for taking things unseriously while speaking sense. He describes her as a stunning interviewee, always half a step back, with a mind constantly working. On stage, she captured audiences effortlessly, as if in her sitting room.
Andrew Dunn: Herculean Efforts
Andrew Dunn auditioned for dinnerladies by speaking fast to match Wood's style, impressing her with a long, unpunctuated paragraph. He marveled at her hard work, rewriting scripts, acting, and warming up audiences with standup before recordings. A kissing scene under mistletoe highlighted her shyness, with the audience's cheers requiring multiple takes.
Ria Jones: Stickler and Thinker
Ria Jones was directed by Wood in the national tour of Acorn Antiques, initially terrified by her stickler nature. Wood taught her about comedy, with moments of quick-witted banter and deep introspection. They bonded over old musicals and variety shows, with Jones urging Wood to write more musicals.
Shobna Gulati: Making Stupid Clever
Shobna Gulati auditioned for dinnerladies in a basement, with Wood noting her intelligence and saying, "I'd really like to make you stupid." Wood observed Gulati's South Asian heritage and single parenthood, weaving it into the character Anita with keenly observed jokes. Gulati recalls Wood's support, inviting her to stay in London for auditions, and their awkward, shy interactions by the kettle.
Victoria Wood's legacy endures through these stories, showcasing a genius who transformed comedy with humility, perfectionism, and heart.
