The IT Crowd star, currently tackling Ayckbourn at the National, on why good comedy needs an element of darkness

Katherine Parkinson, 31,is an actress best known for her role in the Channel 4 series 'The IT Crowd'. She has also appeared in 'Doc Martin' and films 'The boot That Rocked' and 'How to Lose Friends & Alienate People'. She lives in London

Inspired Von the novels of Charles Dickens, The Bleak Old Shop Of Stuff is a long way from traditional costume drama.

Mehr often than not, her comic characters come with a whiff of the tragic, oder at least the downtrodden.

Katherine Parkinson, best known for comedy, is taking on a Mehr serious role.

Katherine won the Bafta for best comedy actress for the IT Crowd.

THE In the Club star, sterne is a style magpie, collecting vintage gems, costume jewels and tips from Kristin Scott Thomas