Emma Thompson: Live webchat, Wednesday 2 October, 8.15-9.15pm

[RachelMumsnet]

To celebrate the publication of Christmas Tale of Peter Rabbit, Oscar-winning actress, screenwriter and children's author Emma Thompson is joining us for a webchat on Wednesday 2 October at 8.15pm. The book is Emma's second tale about the iconic blue-coated rabbit; The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit marked the first Beatrix Potter tale to be published since 1930.

Join Emma for a webchat on Wednesday eve at 8.15 pm or post a question to her in advance on this thread.

[QualityScout]

You are fabulous actress.Always greatly enjoyed your films - even though your performance is often deeply moving.

I always hoped you would buy the rights to the Amelia Peabody books by Elizabeth Peters and produce them. For some reason it seemed a very you role. Have you read them, do you like them.

[MrsWembley]

Morning.

Can I just say I'm another with a small girly crush - I think you're a bit fabulous...

Not sure if it's a question that can be answered in the short space of time that you have for each one, but how the very devil did you manage to explain Elinor's reserve and calm poise in Sense and Sensibility, without dumbing down to the audience the way that that idiot did with the film version of Pride and Prejudice and the 'explanation' of Jane's reserve?

[MrsWembley]

Jane Bennet was NOT BLOODY SHY!!!

[gwenniebee]

I was taken to see S&S by my cousin when I was 12 and it had just come into the cinema.... there began my love affair with both Austen and Thompson :)

I have just listened to your interview on Midweek and was very interested that you said you would love to go into schools and talk to young people (as opposed to going into parliament and talking to old ones ). If you did, what would you say?

[mignonette]

Good Evening Emma-

It was reported that you had purchased land near London Heathrow to prevent its expansion amid concerns about climate change and the impact that air travel may contribute towards this.

There is a need for another airport or runway because of increasing air travel and the fact is that it has to be built somewhere.

Your own air travel at times could be seen as non necessary. I accept that the trip to Mozambique you made around this time may have been absolutely vital as may be your upcoming trip to Mauritius (with your Sister and Mother) for a writers holiday workshop. I cannot imagine many of us turning down a jolly like that .......

However can you not see that many of us are tired of being lectured about climate change and air travel by celebrities who use planes like buses and greatly contribute towards the need for larger airports and more air routes? W/ the internet, much of the travel connected w/ work can be eliminated anyway so the argument that you absolutely have to travel is at times, tenuous.

Love your acting ( I realise saying this after my comments above sounds a bit like Hannibal Lector telling Senator Catherine Martin that he loves her suit after saying horrid things about her kidnapped daughter.)

[MrsWembley]

Your speech to Kate Winslet, as Marianne, telling her why you didn't parade your feelings all over the shop was just luffly.

[namechanging309]

Hi :)

DM (my ma!) and I can always tell a film's going to be worth watching if you're in it, you're a fabulous actress :)

Do you see any of your own personality traits in the characters you play - most especially Nanny McPhee?

[namechanging309]

Must say I am studying Sense and Sensibility for my uni course, away to sit and watch it this weekend :)

[Whitershadeofpale]

I read that it was your discovery of feminism that led you to become a performer.

Is this accurate? If so do you think that young feminists would be inspired in the same way today and do you think that women in the public eye have a duty to be a good role model?

[Orianne]

That scene in Love Actually gets me every time too. The devastating knowledge that he had given the necklace to someone else yet the necessary need to hold it all together for your children. I cry every time I watch it because you nailed it and I feel it with you. Also, you are and always will be Elinor in my head. Oh and I loved Last Chance Harvey too. I have no question I really just came to fawn over you.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Sorry sorry, I know I'm on the thread already but I've just watched the deleted scenes from Love Actually on YouTube (with the son getting in trouble) and I loved them! I feel a bit like I've just found an extra Malteser in a pack I thought was empty!

[Flutternutter]

Hi Emma,
As someone, who has been through IVF, and has an understanding of the utter emotional devastation it causes will you be doing anything for this years National Infertility Awareness Week ?? Its 28 Oct to 3 Nov this year. I am baking cakes and selling them to friends and family.
I think your character in Love Actually was my favourite, beautifully portrayed x

[jonicomelately]

Hello Emma,

I have enormous respect for you as an actor but even more so as a writer. Why do you think there are depressingly few female writers and producers of film in the UK? It's practically impossible for the very few of us trying to get a break at present. Would you agree that the situation is slightly better in the US, and if so why do you think this is? I've had a screenplay rejected by agents (despite it being described as very well-written with a 'fantastic' female protagonist) that performed really well in several US film festival screenplay competitions (best in category etc). I know it's a really tough industry but nobody seems to be getting anywhere in the UK these days, especially us poor unfortunates based in the North. I know the economy is screwed and this is having a massive effect on film (and theatre and tv for that matter) but are we women being suffering more than our male colleagues? Do you think organisations like Bird's Eye View etc can make a difference?

[jonicomelately]

Good luck with the book as well

[Dumbledoresgirl]

Sense and Sensibility is my one and only all time favourite film. Every aspect of it is perfect, but that one moment when Colonel Brandon says to Elinor 'Give me an occupation Miss Dashwood or I will run mad' is my favourite. It is the film I watch whenever I am sad or ill, snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket over me. Thank you so much that alone!

I would like to know if you too have a film that you return to in moments of sadness or illness and if so, which is it?

[MmeLindor]

Hello and welcome to Mumsnet. I have just seen on Twitter that you were doing the One Show tonight at 7pm. I do hope MNHQ had some cake and booze waiting for you, to keep you going.

You have been described as a 'member of a show-business family' and I wondered how you see the world of 'showbiz', and whether you would discourage your daughter from working in theater or film, should that be her ambition?

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

Hello to Emma Thompson - i am washing children and putting them to bed currently but i am looking forward to scrolling through this thread after.

I have been thinking about the difficulties with having a famous father this week, after the Milliband story in a certain paper. My dad died when i was 18 and that was 21 years ago but of course, it still affects me if i hear a story about him from a relative, or song is played that he loved.

I know your father and his memory is well loved and not controversial but is it painful to have some many reminders? Or just comforting to know his work remains as a testament to his life and achievements. My dad was on bbc 2 in the 70's (on open university) but that really is not the same!

[Kikibee]

Hello Emma

I just wanted to say a big thank you from my two older girls, you have lulled them to sleep over the last 3 years as they insist on listening to the audio book of Nanny McPhee every single night

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Any chance of doing lots more as I am slightly bored of hearing it!?

[RoonilWazlibWuvsHermyown]

Emma, I love Nanny McPhee! Nurse Matilda was one of my favourite books as a child and I love how much the film fits how I imagined it every time I read it!

Question wise, are there any roles or films you wish you'd played or had a part in?

[TheBuskersDog]

Hi Emma, I know I should ask a question about your illustrious career but I really just want to know where you got the lovely scarf you were wearing on The One Show this evening, thanks.

[southeastdweller]

Hi Emma,

What influence has your late father had on your writing, if any?

[LaurieFairyCake]

Hello Emma, (also think you're a very inspiring woman)

What parts do you hope to play as you get older?

Any chance you're going to be doing some theatre work soon that we can go and see?

Kind regards,
And my foster dd says that her favourite scene ever is you in Love Actually

[SoleSource]

I adore watching your movies Emma.

The Remains of The Day is my favourite film. Just grab him Miss Kenton and snog Mr Stevens face off I always shout at the screen but you never listen.

Beautiful film x



All the best Emma x

[DownstairsMixUp]

I agree about the Love Actually scene - I ALWAYS cry at that scene! I also adore you as Trelawney in Harry potter - perfect casting there I think and you fit her just as I saw her in the books!

What has been your favourite role to play and why?