Express & Star

My perfect weekend: Ballerina Victoria Marr

Birmingham Royal Ballet return to the stage with a new programme for autumn from Wednesday. We caught up with first soloist Victoria Marr to share her perfect weekend.

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It's Friday afternoon, what's on your mind?

I usually work Saturdays and often it is a day when I have a matinee and an evening performance so Friday isn't the end of the week for me.

Still, when I leave the theatre in the evening and see all the people out and about in town, it is hard not to get that Friday feeling and want to play. Usually I am good though, and head home to dinner and bed.

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

I love catching up with my brother and his girlfriend, we are like-minded people and I love their company. I have lots of friends and family nearby so getting together with a few of them for Sunday lunch or a movie is great, or just hanging out with my other half.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I love getting ready to go out with a few girlfriends. Music is a must to get me in the mood. I like to take my time, have a nice bath or shower, be girly and try on a few options before going back to the first one and gossip as we go.

What's your favourite party outfit?

I have to be comfortable when I go on a night out. I have a lot of great little dresses and heels but if there is going to be some dancing involved I have a great pair of boots I bought in Austria that look great but are oh so comfy.

It will be a sad day when they give up the ghost, they are my absolute favourite. They go with everything! So a little dress if I am being brave or skinny jeans and a top if it's chilly.

You've just arrived at the bar, what's your first drink?

I am not really a drinker. I am usually the driver amongst my friends. If I do order one it is usually something fruity and refreshing… A mojito maybe?

What is your favourite night spot and why?

I used to love The Living Room on Broad Street. Sunday night was Liquid Fusion, a dance night which has been running in various venues around Birmingham for about 20 years.

It still goes on, though less frequently now. It attracts people from all dance backgrounds from Breaking to contemporary and everything in between.

Everyone goes for it and you never feel inhibited because everyone is supportive and appreciates each other's style.

These days, I like Bodega on Bennett's Hill for a bit of dinner and they do a good cocktail.

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

More often than not I'm in the darkness of the theatre, which I find really hard. I am a sun lover through and through. I am never happier than being outside on a warm sunny day.

If I get a free Saturday and the sun is shining then I am in the garden or out on my bike. I love cycling, although I am more 'take in the scenery' than I am 'tour de France.'

What's your most memorable weekend ever and why?

A wonderful weekend last summer in the white isles of Ibiza with my nearest and dearest. Dancing on the sand, sun going down at the Blue Marlin (my favourite spot on the island), and amazing Sunday tunes care of the best DJ duo Goldfish. Perfect!

What's your recipe for the perfect night in?

It would definitely involve nice food and maybe a good movie. I love having friends over though so if the weather is good maybe a barbeque and good chats into the night.

Favourite DVD and what would you eat while watching it?

I love old musicals and I always love a feel-good film. One of my favourite films is Forest Gump. I have seen it so many times but it always makes me smile and warms my heart.

To go with any movie, I am a popcorn lover. It has got to be sweet, not salted though.

Sunday breakfast: cooked or continental?

Always continental. I love fruit. I used to live in South Africa and grew up eating loads of fruit. It is hard to get great fruit in England all year round but there is a great little grocer down the road from me, and the market in Birmingham is good too.

Sunday lunch: home cooked or down the pub?

I can cook but I am certainly not a great cook. Roast dinner is not my forte but I like being at home on a Sunday. If we have one, I get left to do the peeling and clearing up.

Where and how do you like to relax?

Sunday is really my only full day to relax. I like to be at home, in the garden or out on my bike.

I love being with people but I am on tour a lot so we are all frequently in each others' pockets. After five weeks of being on the road I love a bit of time to myself.

You have the whole weekend off and a wad of cash. Which country or city would you head to?

With a wad of cash it would probably be New York. It is a great vibrant city at any time of year. There is so much theatre and dance going on, I am in my element.

Birminhgam Royal Ballet's autumn season opens with Opposites Attract at Birmingham's Hippodrome Theatre on Wednesday. It will be followed by Swan Lake. For more details see Page 34 and for tickets, see www.birminghamhippodrome.com

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