Q&A W/Judith Gibbins aka Lara Croft

Did you have to do any prep work before recording?
I had very little time to rehearse. In Tomb Raider 2 I was given the script on the train down to London to record the same day.


What do you think of the new Lara Croft?
I love the way Lara has evolved, however she is a different person now as she has advanced in looks and graphics. She has definitely moved with the times, I thinks she is a unique character.


Have you heard the new voice actress Camilla? And what are your thoughts on her?
I have not heard Camilla yet, but I'm sure she is as good as all Lara's voices to date.


Are you a Tomb Raider fan or was it just another job to you?
I am a Tomb raider fan but I have to confess I cannot play the games, they are to hard, but I love everything about the franchise. It wasn't just another job it was special.


Do you still voice act?
Lara has been my only voice over work, I would love to do more, but life gets in the way sometimes.


If you were offered it, would you consider playing Lara again?
I would jump at the chance to play Lara again, she did a lot for me and I enjoyed the experience.


How did you get offered the role of Lara Croft back in 1997?
I was not offered the role. My brother, Martin was a programmer for Core Design, and he told me they were holding auditions for the new voice of Lara, I have to admit I didn't even know what she looked like, or much about her. I auditioned along with 8 other girls, I was told the same day I got it and the next day I was on my way to London to record. It happened so fast.


Before working on TR2 and 3 did you have any experience in voice acting prior?
I had no experience with voice over work before Lara. My back ground was musical theatre and dance teacher.


If you can remember that far back, what were some of the harder things you were asked to record?
Believe it or not Lara's breath when she comes out of the water!! it took ages and a lot of laughing.

Have you ever attended any video game conventions such as E3?
I was lucky enough to be invited to the E3 in Atlanta in 1998, It was amazing, but I wasn't allowed to tell anyone who I was. I was sat in a small room answering questions to the public as Lara, while she was on about 16 TV screens. It was very popular and I had to learn all about her and her family, what films she liked, all sorts. But the most question asked was 'What size are your breasts!!!!!


Over the years have you ever received fan mail from TR fans?
I have received lots of fan mail and still do today much to my amazement.


Was it your decision not to play Lara after TR3 or was it Eidos?
When tomb 4 was ready to begin work I had to re-audition for Lara, but they said I sounded to old for the young Lara so that was that!!


Looking back did you enjoy playing Lara Croft and what were some fond memories of the job if so.
I loved being Lara. I had such fun. traveled a lot, and my son was very proud of me which meant the world to me


Do you have people approach you when they hear you talk/are you still asked to do lines after all these years?
I am still asked to say something as Lara and I get a bit embarrassed because it has been so long but ultimately flattered.
I would enjoy saying some lines for you but I am not the Lara of today if you know what I mean!!

I hope I have answered yours questions with enthusiasm and thank you for all your kind words love Jude xxx