Gemma Dobson
Award-winning actress Gemma Dobson, 31, from Leeds, is in the Northern Broadsides production of Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The company is celebrating its 30th anniversary and she is in the TV series The Serpent Queen.
What’s your first Yorkshire memory?
It’s a rather odd one. I’d have been about four years old, and we had a family outing from Leeds to Bridlington. I was with my mum, an auntie and my Nan, and we happened, by absolute chance, to bump into my grandfather – he and nan had had a rather messy divorce a few years before. I remember being told “This is your grandfather”, and that was about it. It was like meeting a complete stranger – which, to me, he was. It must have been a fairly frosty encounter, to say the least. I think I only ever met him twice in all my life.
What’s your favourite part of the county – and why?
Leeds. I now live down in Brighton, but I miss my hometown so much. Its culture, the vibe, the diversity, to me it has everything, the city centre is so beautiful, all those classic arcades. And, of course, the glorious countryside is right on the doorstep. In contrast to Leeds, I’ve also just discovered Hebden Bridge.
What’s your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?
This is going to have to involve a drive into the Yorkshire Dales, a beautiful old-fashioned pub with a roaring log fire, a nice lunch and a few glasses of wine. I’m thinking somewhere like Grassington, or Appletreewick? Sheer indulgence – and so good for the soul.
Do you have a favourite walk – or view?
I’m really not one for walking, but I do enjoy the Meanwood trail in Leeds, and being anywhere near the Cow and Calf always lifts my spirits. I’ve decided that when I go back to Hebden Bridge, I want to explore the path that runs along by the canal, and to see where it takes me.
Which Yorkshire sportsperson, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?
My choice here is nothing to do with sport, but all about someone with tenacity, and with a desire to succeed. It’s Nicola Adams, who is now a role model for younger women, and who pushed herself upwards and onwards.
Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, or past or present, would you like to take for dinner?
Reece Shearsmith, from Hull. What incredible talent that man has – a writer, an actor, a truly versatile individual. The League of Gentlemen is only a tiny bit of it all. And may I also ask Alan Bennett to join us. He was born just around the corner from me, so we know the same streets and houses, and I love his very dry way of conversation.
If you had to name your Yorkshire ‘hidden gem’, what would it be?
It’s hardly “hidden”, but I’ve been bowled over by the warm atmosphere of Hebden Bridge – it’s full of gorgeous little independent shops, it has some great pubs and restaurants, and it’s in a beautiful setting. A bit of a mini-Brighton, in fact.
What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?
The beautifully woven tapestry that is made up of so many strands – the people, the countryside, the coastline, the creativity, and – of course – the accent. You only have to open your mouth down south and people instantly recognise where you come from and yes, they are definitely a bit envious.
Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?
Sport is nowhere to be found on my agenda, but my family are obsessed by Leeds United, so whenever I am with them, I must feign an interest. That’s as far as it goes. Acting as a loyal supporter.
Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?
Where else but the oldest pub in Leeds? It started life as The Turk’s Head in 1715, was taken over by the Whitelock family in the 1880’s, and it has been known as Whitelock’s ever since. It’s down that little ginnel, you open a door, and you are taken back through the ages to a bar which is just jaw-dropping, with its porcelain tiles, brass work and etched glass mirrors. The Cut and Craft in York is also high up on my list of great places to eat.