Ursula Mohan started her career at 15 and has been a working actress ever since. She is delighted to be performing FLO in FLORENCE SMITH – NOW AND THEN in the gardens of Bell House. 
How long have you lived in the area?
We moved to Dulwich in 1987.
What do you most value about the area you live in?
Our tree lined road and good transport links. If I am in a play it is bonus to feel safe walking home from the bus or train. We are lucky to have friendly and supportive neighbours and to be near the lovely Dulwich Park. There is also a glorious silver birch tree outside our front door.
What has changed most during that time?
When we first moved here Lordship Lane was a down to earth place with inexpensive property, a police station, and simple high street shops. Now it’s got coffee shops, restaurants, bars, clothes and gift shops as well as a wonderful cinema. Unrecognizable!
The most famous person you’ve seen or met?
When I was with The Royal Shakespeare Company we were invited to perform our production of Taming of the Shrew at Windsor Castle. Afterwards we met The Queen! She gave me her gloved hand and kindly said, “We did so enjoy it!”
Where’s your favourite place to walk?
We have a dog so walking is a twice daily event. Luckily we have wonderful walks nearby such as Dulwich Woods and the parks in Belair, Dulwich, Brockwell and Peckham Rye.
When I want to relax…
I love gardening and am very content with my hands caked in earth, planting, cutting back and watching plants grow. I was thrilled when my courgettes and tomatoes took off and this year and am overwhelmed by my cucumbers!
If money was no object
I would buy a small holiday home maybe in Sussex in the Witterings or Climping with their spectacular beaches. It would be fun to have my family to stay especially my four grandchildren (all under six.)
The book I’m reading at the moment
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell. In 1596 Shakespeare’s 11 year old son Hamnet died and 4 years later he wrote Hamlet. Maggie O’Farrell reimagines the death and its long lasting ripples through his family. It is a captivating read.
My perfect holiday
Last year I was invited to perform “Florence Smith – Now and Then” in a theatre in Cordes Sur Ciel in South West France with a fee and my fares paid! Afterwards we drove down to the picturesque seaside town of Couliere and had a great week there.
My secret ambition
Is to keep working, to continue to learn lines and to keep all of my marbles!
Florence ‘Flo’ Smith Now & Then – Bell House, Dulwich –
Saturday 19 September 2020 @ 3pm. For details of how to book, please click here.
This article first appeared in the September issue of SE21.