Claire Skinner: 'I can't imagine doing A Day in the Death of Joe Egg without a disabled actress'

Dave Benett
Dave Benett

Claire Skinner says she cannot “imagine” doing a production of A Day In The Death Of Joe Egg without a disabled actress in the title role after appearing in a London revival of the classic play.

Her co-star Storme Toolis, who has cerebral palsy, made history by becoming the first disabled actress to play the part in the West End.

Outnumbered star Skinner said the 26-year-old had been “open and generous” during rehearsals for Peter Nichols’ play, inspired by his experience of bringing up a disabled daughter.

Skinner said: “I can’t imagine doing it with someone who didn’t have that kind of knowledge.”

Skinner and co-star Toby Stephens also prepared by talking to the parents of disabled children.

A Day in the Death of Joe Egg is running at Trafalgar Studios until November 30. Read our review here.