The one lesson I’ve learned from life

Stephanie Beacham

Stephanie Beacham, 69, has starred in tenko, Dynasty, the colbys and coronation Street. Divorced from actor John mcenery with whom she has two adult daughters, she lives between Spain and London with her current partner who is a doctor.

Always stay one step ahead of the game

My father’s mantra, and something I’ve always followed, was Be Prepared. Life is tricky enough and, if you’re trying to muddle through, you’ll always be found out in the end. Polish your shoes regularly, he would say, then they’ll always be ready when you want them — and you won’t need new ones so often.

I quickly realised that doing my homework on time meant life was more fun because it was no longer hanging over me. I was quite the diligent child as a result. as a teenager I became even more organised — once even sewing a five- pound note into the lining of my jacket in case I had to get away from a difficult situation and needed to pay for a taxi.

the idea of always being one step ahead has stayed with me.

I remember finishing filming the tV series, Connie, and then the very next day doing my full tax return before leaving London to join my daughters in somerset. a week later, I was in hollywood about to play sable Colby in Dynasty. If I hadn’t done my tax return when I did — and it was the last thing I felt like doing — I’d have been clobbered later and doubtless fined into the bargain.

I’m about to play Princess Margaret in a new production. the script is excellent, but, as always, I like to do my research. I’ve read as much as I can to try to familiarise myself with her extraordinary life.

I took myself off to Kensington Palace the other day and found myself thinking: ‘that’s my front door.’ that tells me I’m getting in to character!

Before I go on stage, I always rub my hands together and ask myself if I’ve done everything I possibly could to prepare for this performance.

If the answer is yes, then I send up the same silent prayer each time: ‘Let go. Let God ...’ Daddy would have approved.

Stephanie Beacham stars in a princess Undone from October 19 at cambridge arts theatre and then in eastbourne and Guildford