TV and West End actress Summer Strallen is about to embark on a run of new stage musical Top Hat in Birmingham. The ex-Hollyoaks star, whose stage credits include The Sound Of Music and Guys & Dolls with Ewan McGregor, shares a perfect weekend.

It’s Friday afternoon. What’s on your mind?

Well, when I’m in a show I’d be thinking about getting to work, but when I’m not, I’m usually wondering whether I have any friends who aren’t in theatre!

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

As theatre people get out of work around 11pm on a Saturday, I usually go out then with people from Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Ghost and many other shows. We all congeal into one big West-End group.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

By doing a show.

What’s your favourite party outfit?

I’ll always wear a pair of heels and lashes. I’ve been known to have both of these in my handbag even if I’m not going out, in case I suddenly change my mind!

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

Either a Singapore Sling, a Martini or a pint of Stella Shandy

What is your favourite nightspot and why?

I always start in The Nell of Old Drury opposite the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, then move on to Freedom Bar Soho. If I’m going out for a quieter night, I’ll usually be in Soho House.

What tune always gets you on the dance floor?

Beyonce – any one of her songs!

It’s a sunny Saturday. What are you up to?

Two shows usually.

What’s the recipe for a perfect night in?

A bottle of Sauvigion Blanc with good friends

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

Well Sunday is my day off which is usually when I’d have a DVD night, so it’s pudding from the roast dinner I would have had earlier . . . apple crumble with custard, chocolate, ice cream; anything fattening!

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

Cooked if in company, continental if not.

Sunday lunch – home-cooked or down the pub?

Either, so long as I don’t have to cook or do any washing up!

Where and how do you like to relax?

I would go to a spa every time I wanted to relax; that’s how I would like to relax anyway!

You’ve got a whole weekend off and a wad of money in your back pocket – which country or city would you head to?

I’d head to Ibiza in the summer and I’d go skiing in the winter as I’ve never been before.

* Summer Strallen is starring in Top Hat at Birmingham’s Hippodrome Theatre from Today, Tuesday August 30, 2011, until Saturday, September 10.

To book tickets and for more details, visit www.birminghamhippodrome.co.uk