Â鶹Éç

4 Extra delves deep in the Â鶹Éç Archive for another classic interview.

Actress Dame Gladys Cooper talks to James Vowden about her life in the theatre, in a long career encompassing performing and management.

After conning her way into an audition, this led to 'on the job' training at The Gaiety Theatre in the early 20th century. She became a darling of the West End – and decades later won a Hollywood contract.

Her reminiscences are peppered with some big names of the time - Noel Coward, JM Barrie, Ellen Terry, Robert Morley and Peter Ustinov.

Away from the theatre, the actress explains how her life is very down to earth.

Dame Gladys Cooper died aged 82 - two years after this interview – in 1971

Producer: James Vowden

First broadcast on the Â鶹Éç World Service in August 1969.