Sheila Hancock

One of Britain's most versatile actresses: Sheila Hancock joined Breakfast this morning.

Her extraordinary career has embraced everything from comedy and Carry On to serious drama and soap.

Now she's tackling her stage fright and opens a new play called The Arab Israeli Cookbook.

The play delves deep into the centre of the lives of Christians, Jews and Muslims to discover how they cope, how they remain good hearted and retain a sense of humour.

The eight actors, cooking authentic recipes live on stage, reveal, that even in the most abject circumstances it is the simple things in life that keep us all sane; the love of good clothes, inability to get a suntan, finding true friendship.

The recipes are to be published in a recipe book by Aurora Metro Press, to coincide with the production of the play.

"The Arab-Israeli Cookbook" opens at the Gate Theatre this week.

Venue: The Gate, 11 Pembridge Rd, above the Prince Albert pub, Notting Hill Gate W11 3HQ.