My Yorkshire: Jane Godber

What's your first Yorkshire memory?

Going to Busby's – a big department store in Bradford – to see Father Christmas. I don't know how old I was, but I can't have been much more than a toddler. It was quite a big outing, because I recall that we had to take two double-decker buses which was fun, and we always went looking very smart because we thought that Busby's was very posh. If we were lucky, we'd come out of Santa's grotto and have lunch in the restaurant – which was a real treat.

What's your favourite part of the county – and why?

I grew up in Silsden, in West Yorkshire, and I love the moors. From our house you could walk up on to the tops, and I spent hours playing, walking and picnicking there as a child.

I love the wildness and the rugged landscape, it's so exhilarating, especially when the heather is out, and it creates a sea of purple that seems to go on forever – beautiful.

What's your idea of a perfect day, or a perfect weekend, out in Yorkshire?

I'd get up early and take our dog, Smudge, through the woods near Raywell with the girls. It's especially nice when the bluebells are in bloom.

Then, we'd go to York, a place I love, and have lunch in the vegetarian restaurant at the back of the Blake Head bookshop. We'd probably do some shopping, maybe meet friends for coffee or, if the weather was fine, we'd sit in the Museum Gardens and have an indulgent ice cream.

At the end of the day, we'd drive to Scarborough, walk along the front and have a milk shake in the Harbour Bar watching the sun go down over the sea.

Do you have a favourite walk – or view?

Up Farnhill moor to the pinnacle. My dad grew up in Farnhill and every year we religiously do this walk with my parents. It's a family tradition that we never miss.

On the way back, we all collect bilberries which my mum and the girls make into delicious pies. The anticipation of eating them is just unimaginable.

Which Yorkshire sportsman, past or present, would you like to take for lunch?

Karen Briggs. Karen is from Hull and was four times world judo champion before it became an Olympic sport for women, so she went largely unrecognised compared to how celebrated sports stars are today. Not many sports people have become world champion four times, and she really is amazing.

My husband, John, wrote a play about her life, which was called Blood Sweat and Tears, and in which I played the character of Louise, who was based on Karen. Karen taught me judo and it was the hardest thing I've ever done. Our girls also learnt judo with her.

Which Yorkshire stage or screen star, past or present, would you like to take for dinner?

Judi Dench – and who wouldn't? An amazing actress and she appears to do it so effortlessly. I am in utter and total awe of her. And she's such a lovely down-to-earth lady, as well. Talent and charm... and a wicked sense of humour too, I'm told.

If you had to name your Yorkshire hidden gem, what would it be?

Burton Agnes Hall, especially at Christmas time when it's decorated so beautifully using flowers and branches they've dried and collected from the gardens. It's magical.

But you can go there at any time of the year and the gardens are superb... they are laid out in various colour sections, so that you can visit and see all the yellows and golds in splendour, and then the next time it's the turn of the reds and vermillion section. Inspirational.

Do you follow sport in the county, and if so, what?

I'm pleased that Hull City got into the Premiership because it's given the city a real fillip. Anywhere you go, when the "town team" does well, everyone seems cheered up, even if you're not an avid supporter.

Also, one of our daughters is a member of Meridian Gymnastics Club, in Beverley, and we're often at competitions cheering her on.

What about Yorkshire's cultural life?

I think it's going from strength to strength. Obviously the opening of the new Hull Truck Theatre has been very exciting for us personally, and I think it really is a centre of excellence, with a programme that presents something for every interest. The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, the York Theatre Royal – in fact, all of our theatres in the region – are producing a wonderful variety of work that can offer just as much as London. As can our musicians, artists, dancers and poets. I don't think that there's a comparable region producing so much

of such high quality anywhere else in the UK.

What do you think gives Yorkshire its unique identity?

It's obvious. The people. They're warm, straightforward and say what they mean. You know where you are with them. I hate duplicity.

Do you have a favourite restaurant, or pub?

We often go with John's dad and sister to a fantastic Indian restaurant called Arkaan's which is in Crofton, near Wakefield. Everything is so fresh and the customer service is second to none.

For morning coffee you can't beat Luciano's, in Hessle, where John and I go almost every morning for a chat and to coordinate our diaries before the start of another hectic day. We also love to stop off for a bacon sandwich on a Sunday morning from the caravan at Bracey Bridge.

Do you have a favourite food shop?

TC Patisserie, in Beverley, is run by a French man called Thierry. He gets up at five every morning to make croissants and gorgeous pastries. I'm a real Francophile and this is a true taste of France in East Yorkshire.

Also, Thomas Francis Chocolatier, in Hull, has the best chocolates ever – especially the salted caramels – we love them.

How do you think that Yorkshire has changed, for better or for worse, in the time that you've known it?

I think the investment in our cities like Leeds and Hull has made it more cosmopolitan, and has helped to shake off the "flat cap and whippets" image, which is good and long overdue. The beauty of the landscape, however, has remained largely unchanged and that, too, is something to celebrate.

Who is the Yorkshire person that you most admire?

I am unashamed to say – my husband. I'm so proud of the fact that he's done so much to make quality theatre accessible to people from all walks of life. And although he makes it all look effortless, he works very, very hard.

Has Yorkshire influenced your work?

From a writing point of view, of course. You write about what you know about, and what I know about best is Yorkshire and its people. You can't help but hear the poetry in the dialect.

Name your favourite Yorkshire book/author/artist/CD/performer.

I love Emily Bront's Wuthering Heights which I've adapted for the stage. As far as Yorkshire artists go, I'm a big fan of Tracey Savage, who has her studios in Hornsea, and my friend's parents, Ken Jones and Lesley Coates Jones, are both inspirational. We love the Kaiser Chiefs, too.

If a stranger to Yorkshire only had time to visit one place, it would be?

I have to say the new Hull Truck Theatre. I think that it's the best theatre building in the country, producing internationally acclaimed work. The audiences agree with me. It's unmissable.

Next month, Jane Godber plays Bet in the revival of April in Paris at the Hull Truck Theatre with John Godber playing Al, Bet's partner. Hull Truck Theatre box office: 01482 323638, www.hulltruck.co.uk