My perfect weekend: Gerard McCarthy

I like Friday night audiences. Everyone has finished work, they're in good spirts, want a great night at the theatre and are generally really responsive.

If you're an actor working in theatre though, your weekend doesn't begin until 11pm on Saturday night we normally have a bit of catching up to do.

Who normally has the pleasure of your company at the weekend?

That varies from week to week. If I'm not in Ireland with my family I'll be hanging out in London probably with some of my mates that I don't get to see as often as I'd like to.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I love my sleep so I'll try to stay in bed as long as possible on the day.

If I know there's a 'big night out' happening that will probably go on until the early hours of the morning I have to, otherwise I'd be falling asleep at 1am.

What's your favorite party outfit?

I like wearing a sharp suit, shirt and tie. I don't get to do it very often as I spend most of my life in jeans and Converse so it makes a nice change.

You've just arrived at the bar. What's your first drink?

You can't beat a really good mojito. I only discovered them about a year ago and until then I didn't drink at all just because I didn't like the taste of anything.

What's your favorite nightspot and why?

I have lots of favourite nightspots, in Belfast, London, Liverpool, Manchester – it would be difficult to choose just one because there are so many great places to socialise now.

I think the most important thing is atmosphere. If a venue can make people feel relaxed and comfortable and therefore have a good time then the punters will come back again and again.

What tune always gets you on the dance floor?

Anything by Maroon 5. I have got some serious moves to their songs. Trust me!

It's a sunny Saturday, what are you up to?

Saturday, sunny or not, we spend all day in the theatre. All my friends are now trained in the phrase "Saturday: Two Shows".

It's quite funny because they'll text me on a Saturday to ask "hey, what are you up to later" and I'll say "what day is it?" and their response will be "oh yeah, Saturday: Two Shows. I forgot".

What was your most memorable weekend, and why?

I like weekends where I can just relax and not stress.

There was a weekend about two months ago when I was learning the script for Blue/Orange, the weather was amazing and I just lay under a tree in a park in London for most of the day. It's the simple things in life!

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

As long as you've got good company you don't really need anything else.

I've realised that happiness is made up of moments. People say or do things that make you happy, you see things and experience things that make you happy.

The more of these moments you have with friends and family the happier your life is.

Favourite DVD? And what would you eat while watching it?

My favourite DVD at the moment is the Boardwalk Empire boxset.

I watch an episode every night in the hotel by myself. Just me and my Domino's pizza.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

Oh, tough one. That depends entirely on how healthy I'm going to pretend to be that day.

Eight times out of ten I'd probably go for continental but sometimes you just cant beat a massive big cooked breakfast.

Sunday lunch – home cooked or down the pub?

Home cooked. Every time. My mum does an amazing sunday lunch.

As soon as I find a girl who can match it I'm marrying her. I won't care what she looks like or how old she is. If she can do a good roast lamb, potatoes and veg that's def worth a wedding!

When and how you like to relax?

There is nothing more relaxing than sleep. Call me old fashioned but you can keep your yoga and smelly bath oils, if you want to relax get your head down for 40 winks.

You've got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your back pocket. Which country or city would you head to?

New York. I love it there. I've seen the most incredible theatre there and it really is an incredible city.

As an actor it's really inspiring to be able to be able to see some of the greatest actors of our time on stage doing their thing. The last time I was there I saw Al Pacino play Shylock in a stunning production of The Merchant Of Venice.

* Gerard McCarthy will line up alongside Downton Abbey's Robert Bathurst and renowned theatre actor Oliver Wilson to star in Blue/Orange at the New Alexandra Theatre, in Birmingham, from October 23-27. See www.atgtickets.com for details.