A SEASONED actress who played 'lady with gourd' in a Monty Python film is taking to the stage at South Hill Park.

From May 17 to 21 Gwen Taylor will assume the role of the fearsome Lady Bracknell in the 'Important of Being Earnest'.

The road that brought the 78 year-old to the role and a short stay in the Bracknell Hilton while she takes on the Oscar Wilde comedy is one rich in showbusiness anecdotes.

Having abandoned a career in banking, Taylor took on the role of the 'Green Bean' in 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at the Derby Playhouse.

Clearly doing the part justice, she soon landed herself a regular spot on Eric Idle's 'Rutland Weekend Television', forging a vital connection with the Python in the process.

"It was a tedious thing to do, but very exciting," Taylor said of her several roles in 'The Life of Brian'.

"I played lady with a sick donkey, fat woman, woman with big nose on the mount and lady with gourd."

Although she declined to feature in 'The Meaning of Life' (unsure if she would be able to stomach the famous "waffa' thin' restaurant scene', Taylor acted her way towards the centre of British television life.

In 1990 she was nominated for a BAFTA as Best Actress for her role in 'A Bit of a Do' opposite Sir David Jason, and in 2011 she joined 'Coronation Street' as Anne.

It is against this backdrop of real acting pedigree that Taylor comes to Bracknell.

"My husband and I are having a little holiday," she explained.

"We are probably the first people to holiday in Bracknell.

"I am very impressed by South Hill Park and the people that work there. They are extremely friendly."

In addition to getting stuck into the town, Taylor is relishing the chance to take on the iconic role - not least for the chance to drop the famous 'a handbag?!' line.

As for the two hapless suitors who pursue Lady Bracknell's daughter, Taylor is quick to sing the praises of Michael Holden as Algernon and Alastair Whatley as Jack Worthing.

"They are both terrible good in different ways," she said.

"Alastair is terribly urban.

"Michael is a bit of a loose cannon. A bit wild."

Tickets to 'The Importance of Being Earnest' cost £18, with theatre and dining tickets costing £33.

All money goes towards the maintenance of the Park's Wilde Theatre.