Beverley Craven has sold over four million records in her career, and is best known for her 1991 UK hit single Promise Me.
Beverley fell in love with the north of Dorset visiting her father, who lived near Dorchester for many years.
In 2018 she announced the
Woman to Woman tour, but it was put on hold when Beverley was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy and lymph node surgery. The tour, with fellow British singer-songwriters Judie Tzuke, Julia Fordham and Rumer is now back on the road – see it at the Pavilion Theatre Bournemouth on 5th November this year.
1. What’s your relationship with the Blackmore Vale (the loose North Dorset area, not us!)?
My Dad, who passed away recently, lived in the village of Puddletown on the river Piddle (which has always amused me). And before that he lived in Dewlish for many years.
2. What was the last song you sang out loud in your car?
Can I cheat? Only I prefer to sing in the shower (the accoustics are better!). I think it might have been ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’.
3. It’s Friday night – you have the house to yourself, and no work is allowed. What are you going to do?
I would start with a long bath – deep and hot – followed by a large vodka & tonic in my dressing gown and slipper socks, semi-reclined on my bed, probably binge-watching a nice series on Netflix. And being very happy – I love being at home on my own with the dog.
4. Who’s your celebrity crush?
I’ve never had a thing for celebs. I couldn’t understand why the girls at school either liked David Cassidy or Donny Osmond; Really? Both were far too virtuous and clean-living for me!
5. What’s your comfort meal?
Something involving mashed potato – I am Queen of Mash – with gravy or a cheese sauce and lots of veggies, followed by a crumble (I like to make apple and mango with warmed Ambrosia custard) and then a cup of chamomile tea.
This goodest of girls is Lizzie, Beverley’s third Staffordshire Bull Terrier, though she’s quick to point out that she adores ALL dogs; “it’s just some owners I can’t stand”
6. What would you like to tell 15yr old you?
To read ‘Desiderata’. That marriage is not a good idea, except for tax purposes. That everyone is flawed and to be myself.
7. What was the best thing before sliced bread?
Sliced ‘Soreen’ malt loaf!
(I think you’re cheating here – pretty sure that came after sliced bread… Ed)
8. Tell us about one of the best evenings you’ve ever had?
I’d like to say performing at the Royal Albert Hall, or meeting the Queen at the Royal Variety Show; maybe being presented with a Brit Award by Kim Wilde, playing Wembley Arena and chatting to Princess Diana, or being backstage with Audrey Hepburn at a Unicef gala. But sadly, it would be
an evening from my teenage years… probably a swimming club disco when I’d just discovered the wonder of fancying boys.
Or being in a room full of musicians when I was a struggling songwriter and jamming into the early hours.
9. The best crisps flavour?
Depends on what you’re drinking, doesn’t it? You can’t go wrong with ready salted in my opinion.
10. And the best biscuit for dunking?
No contest – without doubt it’s the Cadbury’s milk chocolate finger. Nibble off a bit at each end to reveal biscuit, stick one end in your tea and suck really hard, like it’s a straw, until you can feel the tea on the tip of your tongue (it will be a bit cold by the time it’s made its way up the finger). It melts in your mouth like a little piece of chocolaty heaven!
(This. Is. Genius. – Ed)
11. Your top three most-visited, favourite websites (excluding social media & BBC News!)?
• Wetransfer (I’m always sending audio files to other musicians)
• Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration
• Zara.
12. What’s your secret superpower?
I know when people aren’t telling the truth.
13. Your favourite quote? Movie, book or inspirational – we won’t judge.
John Lennon; ‘Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans’.
14. Cats or Dogs?
Dogs!! Lizzie is my third Staffie (or fourth if you count ‘Rastus’ the Staffie we had when I was growing up). I adore ALL dogs (it’s just some owners I can’t stand).
15. Chip Shop Chips or Home Baked Cake?
Again, ‘Queen of Sponge’ – I make a mean coffee cake. The trick is not to overwork the mixture once you’ve added the flour, and even self-raising requires half a teaspoon of baking powder. Just saying.
(*taking notes* – Ed)
16. What shop can you not pass without going in?
Conran on Marylebone High Street, but I rarely buy anything, I just harrumph when I look at the prices and think, it’d be much more satisfying to find something lovely in the bric-a-brac section of a charity shop…
17. What’s your most annoying trait?
According to my children I make a clicking noise in the back of my throat when it’s itchy. They tell me I also take ages to answer a question (because I’m thinking about it!) and that I often don’t finish a sentence.
18. A penguin just walked in the door wearing a panama hat. Why is he here?
It’s a trick question Batman! Obviously K.G. Bird has come back for his top hat and umbrella…
19. You have the power to pass one law tomorrow, uncontested. What would you do?
Thank GOD you asked me this question!!
I would ban modified exhausts. Oh, hang on a minute, they’re already illegal, aren’t they? But
the police never seem to take any action, do they? Hmmm…
Why do these noisy numbskulls need to draw attention to themselves by annoying everyone else? Have they got minuscule… er, brains?
Interview by: Laura Hitchcock
