Kiruna pans panto

When Australian actor, dancer and theatre director Kiruna Stamell played a teacher in Walford Primary School, she became Eastenders’ first character of restricted growth. She has worked in Europe, Australia and Singapore and co-founded Atypical Theatre Company. Familiar to Baz Luhrmann fans as La Petite Princess in Moulin Rouge, Kiruna tells us how her David Lynch obsession left her tongue-tied.

What’s the best thing about being disabled?

I find it easier to network because people remember what I look like. How do you deal with people who barf on about your impairment? Have you any good putdowns?

If some random is asking intrusive questions I’ll tell them that if they can find another random ordinary looking stranger to join our conversation who’s also willing to answer these questions, then I will too…

What’s the funniest thing anyone’s ever said to you about your impairment?

Well, I’m not sure but one lady once said: “Oooooh, you’re so pretty and you look just like Charlotte Church: I bet you wish you had her body, don’t you?”

What makes you angry?

When total strangers ask me exactly how tall I am… when clearly they can see my height. I don’t get why giving them an exact number makes the world better for them.

What’s the one thing that could be invented to make your life as a disabled person better?

A kinetic energy device that could move things from a distance, like open heavy doors, use ATM machines and press lift buttons that are too high.

What do you most like about being a performer?

Learning something new on each project. I love the research and development of ideas, characters and worlds.

And what do you not like about it?

People assuming I do panto.

Who’s your favourite disabled person ever?

[The actor] Peter Dinklage.

Do you have any special or hidden talent apart from acting and dancing?

I can tie jelly snakes in a knot with my tongue; also cherry stems. Watched too much David Lynch, which is why I bothered to practice this skill.

If you didn’t have your impairment, which other one would you like to have?

Couldn’t say: I like mine because I’m familiar with it.