My god, it's extraordinary It's so different Not only is it a different country but I am beginning to feel like I'm getting the movie star treatment. It's very exciting. Since the play opened, and it's been received as a smash on Broadway I've totally fallen for this city. I miss my friends and so on from London, but, you know, I could live here if I had, too. The people have been brilliant. Everyone is very warm and receptive.

How's it different just walking around?

Well, in London now I have lost some of my anonymity but here I feel 'safe' to walk around the corner and Sit in my favourite little coffee shop. And I love that I'm staying in a two-bedroom apartment literally six blocks from the theatre. It makes it super easy walking to and from work. Mind you, that's all building up now. Since the play opened, and everything's been hyped up, the paparazzi have been hanging around outside the theatre, and I'm like 'Don't get over excited, I'm only going inside!' No, really I'm having a wonderful time. It's incredibly exciting. I'm going to be on the cover of Vanity Fair, and Vogue are planning a shoot too !

Do you feel cut off being away from home?

Oh no, I've had a constant stream of visitors. Right now it's me Mum and Dad, before that Kate [Moss] was here and Meg [Mathews] is coming out really soon to see the show and stuff. And this apartment on the 22nd floor makes you feel like you are up in the sky with all the helicopters flying past the windows! I don't feel cut off all, I feel like I'm in the middle of it all!

What's it like having to go on stage every night?

Really weird. It means a really long day and odd meal times. Like you don't find yourself sitting down to dinner until about midnight after the show. And the gym routine, well that goes right out the window - I'm just too tired the next day! During the rehearsals the schedule was grueling enough and then in the three weeks leading up to the opening night, we did 13-hour days solid.

I heard the opening night was star studded?

Oh, it really was so exciting. Harrison Ford, Judi Dench and Ed Norton were all there. I got to wear a gorgeous Chanel dress for the party and I'd never worn Chanel before. It was grey and a bit like a bailgown but trendy on top.

How are you getting along with the rest of the cast?

We have all become really great friends. They are all so humble and natural and real and are a very calming influence.

What do you do in New York in your free time?

The shopping is amazing! And it seems so cheap. I would recommend anyone from England wanting to go on a shopping binge to come here for the weekend. It's great!

What's your favourite shopping?

Personally I've discovered a designer called Daryl K, who I love. And there's nothing quite like the big posh department stores here, such as Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman. But I only buy two or three designer pieces here and there. When the time comes to attend a big event, I borrow and return from a designer because you can only wear that kind of thing once, really For my everyday stuff fm hooked on Urban Outfitters. They sell fantastically cheap vintage pieces for like $2D. Ifs amazingl Mind you, over all, I still think London rules over New York, as it has the best variety of shopping. There's nothing here that you can't get over there in London. My friends who come and visit often point that out to me!

What else about the Big Apple rates high on your scale?

I love all the pampering and beauty stuff that everyone here does so regularly without even a second thought All the manicures and pedicures and massages. My favourite place right now is Bliss Spa, but I also love that you can get a masseuse or a beautician to come and visit you at home. I've discovered some fantastic hair stuff called Tarax. I think its originally from Italy actually but ifs really good. My hair has been coloured a bit brighter for the show so it's a bit knackered and this stuff is really good. fm finding all sorts of other goodies too like Remedy moisturizer - ah its fabulous.

I never had a plan, but I've always thought I have had something to offer. And I'm not acting for anyone else but myself so as long as I feel I'm doing a good job, then I feel I deserve to have the success. l've always wanted to work in America because it would give me the chance to work with directors who have worked all over the world, and I always want to feel that lIve never created any creative boundaries.

Do you think this latest bout of success will change you ?

I don't want to start hanging out in celebrity columns! I like hanging out with the stage crew. I always feel you should know your roots and my mum and dad remind me of that while they are here. I'd like to think lIve got a reputation for staying down to earth.

So you are not about to go all Hollywood, then?