The slobbish Kathy Burke that television audiences know and love as Waynetta Slob has cleaned up her act and moved to the heart of Theatreland.

The acclaimed actress is making her directorial debut in the West End with 'Betty', a dark new comedy at the Vaudeville Theatre.

So what inspired the move to directing?

"I've always done it, ever since I was young," Kathy Burke told us, "Last year I was directing a play at the Hampstead Theatre and it was the first time for about 5 years. I suddenly thought, blimey, this is what I love and I'm very, very happy."

Betty, a one-woman show, started off as a series of comic monologues written specifically for actress Geraldine McNulty (pictured left), whose credits include 'My Hero' and 'The Vicar of Dibley'.

"I do have impeccable taste in other actors," says Kathy Burke, "I only choose people who are better than me."

Betty tells the story of a naive spinster, addicted to the spin-cycle of her washing machine, and the bizarre pilgrimage she sets out on after her 49th birthday.

The show has been previewing since the weekend to appreciative, if slightly surprised, audiences.

"I think they were surprised it wasn't smutty and there was no swearing and smoking," laughs Burke, "And that has to be because of my involvement. So if you think you're going to miss seeing me, come and see the show I'm directing instead!"

Take a Thames Tour of Rotherhithe including the home of London's whaling and timber trades

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