EMMA BARTON, currently starring in
Chicagoat the Gaiety Theatre in Dublin, talks about her holidays
What's your earliest holiday memory?I used to go caravanning with my parents and younger brother. We'd park up, find a beach and play Swingball. I remember my little brother falling off the bed at the top and landing on my mum and dad at the bottom. They were good days, though, and I am tempted to buy a caravan when I am older.
What was your worst holiday?I went on holidays with friends to Venezuela to learn to windsurf. But I'm not very good and not strong – although I am stronger now I am performing in Chicago. I had to learn on a child's board and wear boots: it wasn't glamorous, and I'm not very brave. By the end of the holiday I was really cheesed off.
What was your best holiday?One favourite is New York. I love it there in winter and summer. There is nothing like it; it's a lovely place to be. It's clean and friendly, and there's great service wherever you go to eat. It's magical walking along Broadway, and I'd love to work out there.
If budget or work were not a restriction, what would be your dream holiday?I'd love to go the Maldives, which I've seen in glossy magazines. It looks so tranquil, with clear water. Being there with a book and my iPod would be amazing. It's on the list if I win the lottery and can take weeks off work.
If you had your pick, who would you bring on holiday with you?I love spending time with my boyfriend, but we don't get enough time together, so I'd be very happy with him. Other than that, I'd like to go on safari with someone like Alan Carr – he's entertaining and would give me the giggles.
What's your favourite place in Ireland?Before now I had only ever been to Ireland for a day. I'm in Dublin for two weeks. I'm really excited about having my first Guinness, but I'll probably start with a half.
Your recommended holiday reading?I am a big fan of autobiographies, like that of Julie Walters. I really liked The Kenneth Williams Diaries,but maybe it's a little depressing for holiday reading. However, you can pick up and follow the story if you forget where you were.
Where will you go to next?I'm missing out going to Siena, in Italy, with the show, as I am doing panto over Christmas. I'll have a week off in October, and it would be nice to get away for a bit of sun somewhere not too far, such as Cyprus. Other than that I won't have a holiday until March, but I don't know where I am going yet.
** Emma Barton is starring in Chicagoat the Gaiety Theatre (gaietytheatre.ie) in Dublin until next Saturday. She also played Honey Mitchell in Eastenders
** In conversation with Genevieve Carbery