Are you a saver or a spender? I've never really found a need for retail therapy nor have I been tempted into crazy online shopping. I tend to buy when I need something. Having said that, I've never managed to save so I don't know what's gone wrong there.
Do you shop around for better value? I'm in heaven if I think I've got a bargain, but then I was born in Yorkshire so that's no big surprise, I guess. I'm proud to say that I've never queued outside a department store waiting for the doors to open and the sale to begin just to be trampled on. That would be my idea of hell.
What has been your most extravagant purchase? Back in 1991, I was driving a sporty Volkswagen Scirocco. It looked fabulous, but I very quickly discovered that the lack of power steering was causing serious pain to my shoulder and arms. One morning, I woke up in so much discomfort that I decided I had to change my car. I'd seen a beautiful SAAB turbo convertible in my local garage. The price tag was £21,950 – I offered £20,000 cash and they accepted. I drove it away later that afternoon. What purchase do you consider the best value for money? When my daughter was teething, I bought a couple of soothers for less for than a pound. The comfort we both got from it was worth a hundred times that.
How do you prefer to shop – online or local? I never really buy online except for flights, ferries and hotels. Generally, I would prefer to shop locally and certainly the quality of food here in Kildare is as good as anywhere I've ever been.
Do you haggle over prices? I did in Thailand – apparently it's expected in Bangkok. On occasion I've tried here in Ireland and in the UK, but I find it a bit embarrassing.
Has the recession changed your spending habits? The recession has been a nightmare for so many of us, but I feel so grateful and lucky to have come out relatively unscathed.
I've thought much more about whether I really need this or that, and I have realised that things that had become the norm were in fact unnecessary luxuries. Do you invest in shares? If I have, then it would be more by accident than design. Who knows, they might buy me a Zimmer frame one day.
Cash or card? Both. Card if it's tax deductible, cash for messages.
What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money? We bought a new Stanley stove last year and love it. There are no draughts, no smoke blowing back and it gets so hot I could fry an egg on it. It was expensive, but we've saved so much already on central heating that it has almost paid for itself.
Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase? Yes. House, car, holidays and rainy days.
Have you ever lost money? In 1990, I hastily bought an apartment in Bournemouth after having starred in Evita at the town's Pavilion Theatre. We had all had such a fantastic time and so it seemed like a good idea. I very quickly realised how much I missed London so I sold up and moved back. I'm frightened to tell you how much I lost in the resale. I still get palpitations.
Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win? I'm really not a gambler. I play a bit of innocent poker and bridge with friends. I have been to casinos, but I'd mostly be eating and drinking with the occasional flutter. The house always wins. I've gambled on a few men in the past – and lost. I've been married to Kenny for 20 years – I'm winning!
Is money important to you? Money is important to everyone in differing degrees. As Meatloaf's song might go: "I would do anything for money – but I won't do that."
How much money do you have on you now? Well, as I'm in bed right now, I don't have any money on me. I don't carry much cash when I'm out and about, though – just enough to spend a penny or hail a taxi.
In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea Rebecca Storm is playing the National Concert Hall Dublin on April 30th, and at Cork Opera House on May 1st.
