Actress Liza Goddard: I’m a bit of a hoarder
THE ever-youthful actress is happiest in casual wear but loves to get dressed up for a role.
From left:
Liza is dressed for evening in a sequined jacket by Escada, camisole from Phase Eight and Ted Baker trousers
Liza wears a jacket and blouse from Get Smart in Fakenham, Norfolk, with Marks & Spencer trousers
The actress wears a top from Charlie Emma, a boutique in Dereham, Norfolk, with trousers from Moments in Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The necklace was a gift and the bracelet is by Clare Murray
Liza, 65, appeared in a string of TV shows in the 70s and 80s, including Take Three Girls, Bergerac and Give Us A Clue. She now mainly works in theatre and is currently appearing in The Smallest Show On Earth. She lives in Norfolk with her producer and director husband David Cobham.
I wouldn’t try Botox, though – I need to have an expressive face for theatre
How would you describe your style?
Casual. I spent my teenage years in Australia wearing T-shirts and shorts – that shaped my fashion mentality.
Which colours and shapes suit you best?
Light, bright colours, especially blues and pinks. I’m also fond of prints, but I mainly wear trousers – skirts are definitely more for evening.
What is your favourite fashion era?
The 60s. I was living in Sydney when the fashion revolution started. Jean Shrimpton visited Australia and wore a mini skirt to the races and there was such a fuss in the papers.
The older generation were outraged, but all the young girls wanted to look like that. I was 17 and working as an actress in Skippy The Bush Kangaroo, but then I moved to London.
Where were the best 60s and 70s fashion haunts?
The King’s Road and Carnaby Street, but my favourite was Biba. I liked Mary Quant, but that was more expensive.
You starred in Take Three Girls set in swinging London. Did you have a fab wardrobe?
I did. It was the first drama series in colour to star three young women and fashion was so important. My character Victoria was a deb who was Sloaney with ladylike twinsets and Sue Jameson who played Kate had the racier wardrobe.
What are your favourite high-street brands? Fat Face, Joules, Gap and good old Marks & Spencer.
Who is your favourite designer?
Bruce Oldfield. When I was married to Alvin Stardust, I used to wear a lot of his clothes – they were fabulous and they still are. But did I keep them? No and I’m so cross with myself.
From left, clockwise:
This vintage 80s sparkly jacket is a favourite for evening. The actress wears it over her little black satin evening dress from Coast
Liza’s favourite necklace designed by Clare Murray in West Winch, Norfolk, features a fox and barn owl. The other pieces have been bought in charity shops over the years
Liza is a fan of colourful scarves and this selection came from a boutique in Norfolk
This bag and matching shoes by Vicki Beth make a favourite combo for evening
Liza bought this Louis Vuitton satchel 30 years ago, while the belt was a gift from a friend and the Radley tote was a purchase in Edinburgh
What do you think of high-street fashion today?
It’s wonderful – just as good. I go to Topshop and H&M with my granddaughter and love it. The big difference is crop tops – back then we never showed our tummies. And shopping is exhausting now, because I hold the bags while she tries everything on. Then I usually pay!
Who are your style icons?
Jean Shrimpton, Mary Quant and Barbara Hulanicki were all huge influences when I was young.
What is your best beauty secret?
Regular Caci facials. I wouldn’t try Botox, though – I need to have an expressive face for theatre.
Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe each season?
Despite getting rid of things I should have kept, I’m a bit of a hoarder.
Are you a fan of vintage?
Yes. On theatre tours, I always seek out local charity shops and have a rummage, especially for costume jewellery.
Do you love dressing up in period costume for theatre?
Yes, it’s so transformative. Wearing a corset alters your whole demeanour and the fabrics and designs are exquisite.
Have you ever hated a costume you’ve worn for a role?
I was a space raider in Doctor Who and wore a skintight plastic suit. It looked fantastic but it was so uncomfortable – I couldn’t wait to peel it off.
Liza Goddard appearing in 'Yes, Honestly'
What about your character in The Smallest Show On Earth?
It’s set in the 50s and I play Mrs Fazackalee, manageress of a tiny theatre. We have some wonderful Irving Berlin songs and it’s a fabulous script.
How many shoes and handbags do you own?
Maybe 100 pairs of shoes and lots of bags. I’ve never counted.
What is your current favourite outfit?
A classic floral Joules shirt with Fat Face jeans.
Is there an old favourite you turn to in a wardrobe crisis?
A smart blue tweed jacket that looks lovely with jeans, a skirt or smart trousers.
How much do you spend on clothes each month?
Not that much – I have so many clothes, I don’t shop for myself very often.
What are the items of clothing that you couldn’t live without?
My Birkenstocks and jeans.
What would you save from a burning house?
Just my dog Honey. She’s a bit hysterical and wouldn’t know where to go.
The Smallest Show On Earth is on tour until November 28. For details, visit thesmallestshowonearth.co.uk.