Natalie Dew – Favourite Things

Natalie Dew is a British actress who has appeared in Roadkill, Body Guard, No Offence and Peter Rabbit. She is the lead in the British comedy series Sandylands alongside David Walliams, Hugh Bonneville and Simon Bird on GOLD. Dew received an Olivier Nomination for Best Actress in a Musical Role for her performance in the Phoenix Theatre’s production of Bend it Like Beckham and has also appeared in Deposit, The Code, Romeo and Juliet and Twelfth Night on stage. 

These are a few of Natalie Dew’s favourite things… 

Cats

I grew up with a tortoise-shell cat called Minkey. Who, because I’m an only child, was basically my sister. I would follow her everywhere, and I even tried her food once because she made it look so tasty —big mistake. I am always late meeting people, mainly because there was a cat en route and I had to stroke it. If I see a cat and can’t stroke it, I feel a bit sad for about five minutes, wondering what sort of cat it was and whether we would have got on. 

Cooking

Some people find running a great way to let their minds wander and unwind. For me, it’s cooking. One of my favourite things is trying to make a meal essentially from scraps in the fridge; I enjoy the challenge, partaking in my own private “Ready, Steady, Cook” challenge. I find it deeply comforting to cook, and it makes sense to me. It is artistic, as well as experimental; it can be dramatic as well as serene. I feel like cooking for someone is a great gift; it shows care and love. My go-to for friends and loved ones is a baked sausage pasta with truffle. It is a hearty hug in a bowl.

Harry Potter

Now, I know many people have many thoughts about Harry Potter, but it is my ultimate comfort. If it is a particularly rainy day and looks bleak outside, I will curl up and stick on a Harry Potter film. I put on the third film (Prisoner of Azkaban) if I feel lazy and it’s a Sunday, the first film (Philosopher’s Stone) if I am really ill or have a minor cold, and the last two films (Deathly Hallows) if I feel like I need some faith in humanity. It is a total escape, plus I know it all off by heart, so if I fall asleep I don’t have to worry about missing anything important. 

Woodland

People often feel a pull towards the sea; I have found the same with the woods. I love the sense of adventure in the woods. Not only does it vary so much from season to season with its appearance, sounds and smells, but you can also feel transported out of your life in the woodland. There is a sense of epic and history being surrounded by trees. I think I must have been some sort of squirrel or woodland shrew in a past life; it feels like home.

Hot water bottles

The greatest invention ever. Who knew that an object could bring so much joy. My favourite things are all about being cosy, and this is the ultimate cosy comfort. I carry mine everywhere at home, like a security blanket. It doesn’t even have to be a cold day, and I will happily lug it from room to room to keep me company. I have three in my life at the moment, for different occasions. One is small and cat-shaped, mainly for feet, another has a Harris tweed cover which is the hardcore Scottish one for really cold nights, and the third is a fluffy one which is all-weather. I like to think of myself as a hot water bottle connoisseur.

Enjoyed Natalie Dew’s favourites? Explore the full Favourite Things archive here.