David Bolger, artistic director at CoisCéim

Are you a saver or a spender?

I try to save for a rainy day. Then days later, when it is raining, I spend it – in order to cheer myself up.

Do you shop around for better value?

I have my moments of shopping around, but I love banter and generally go to shops where I have a good relationship with the people that work there.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

When I had absolutely no money to spare, I bought a return plane ticket to Australia. It cost £650, which I scraped together. I had an amazing experience. Being away at that time of my life opened my mind to a bigger world of possibilities.

What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

I bought a pair of tracksuit rehearsal trousers which are now threadbare. I was wearing them recently in rehearsals for our new show, Pageant, and the dancers had great fun in slagging me. But I like the way I can move in them.

Do you prefer to shop online or local?

I prefer to shop local as much as possible. The only purchase I have made online is out-of-print books for research for my work . . . Oh, and airline tickets.

Has the recession changed your spending habits?

Yes, I am more careful with spending. I work in the arts sector and we have never had much money, anyway.

Do you invest in shares?

No, I would not know how to start.

Cash or card?

Cash as much as possible. I dislike cards as I feel it is the worst way to borrow money.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

A bag of carrots and some humus from the greengrocer. It was very good value as I ate the lot for supper – it was delicious.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

I saved to buy a Macbook, which may not seem big, but it changed the way I work as a choreographer and artistic director at CoisCéim Dance Theatre.

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

Gambling seems to be somebody else’s business, so no, I am not a gambler. Unless you consider purchasing the odd Lotto ticket gambling.

Is money important to you?

I respect its value in order to survive, but the most important things to me are those that make me happy.

How much money do you have on you?

I thought I had a €20 note in my wallet. Why, have you found one?

CoisCéim Dance Theatre premieres its new show, Pageant, at Project Arts Centre, Dublin, until March 2nd. The show then tours Ireland. coisceim.com