Birmingham Rep artistic director Roxana Silbert's perfect weekend

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

I love Fridays. They're as exciting now as when I was at school. I love the thought of two full days with no structure when I can do whatever I want, whenever I want – within the law of course.

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

My partner, my friends, my godsons, my vegetable patch and – from August to December – The X Factor.

How do you prepare for a big night out?

I'm always late everywhere so I always prepare in a hurry, usually with the television and radio on, while trying to make a phone call.

What's your favourite party outfit?

A flirty dress, big earrings and some extraordinary shoes I bought in Brazil, designed by Zaha Hadid.

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

Champagne cocktail.

What's your favourite nightspot and why?

Seeing a show at The Rep. Alternatively, in pyjamas, in bed, drinking tequila and watching a comedy.

What tune always gets you on the dance floor?

Walking On Sunshine – Katrina And The Waves. I used to love dancing but it starts too late for me now.

I wish I could find a night club for the middle-aged that started the dancing at 8pm. I think there's a market for it.

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

Pilates followed by brunch, a bit of gardening, a big walk in the countryside with my girlfriends and their children. Then a show in the evening.

What was your most memorable weekend, and why?

Beirut a few years ago. I'd never been and it's absolutely beautiful, but we arrived an hour after a political incident and we were the only tourists, in fact one of the few people on the streets.

Everything was pristine but closed, so it was like walking through a fairytale city.

What's the recipe for a perfect night in?

Nice food, nice wine, a nice boyfriend and a brilliant movie.

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

I am watching Bringing Up Baby while eating chicken risotto, followed by apple crumble and custard.

Sunday breakfast – cooked or continental?

Definitely cooked; with sausages from the fantastic local butcher.

Sunday lunch – home cooked or down the pub?

I love cooking Sunday lunch, especially for friends. I didn't have a cooker until three years ago – I only had a two-ring baby belling. I ate gnocchi and pesto every night of my life for about 20 years. So I'm a late starter in the kitchen but Nigel Slater changed all that.

Now I pick elderflowers from country bushes and make cordial.

When and how you like to relax?

I'm very lucky that I have a job that lets me do all the things I would do if I had time off. I love seeing shows, going to art galleries and I'm an avid reader.

I usually relax on a Sunday morning but when I can take time off, I love travelling almost as much as I love theatre.

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 go to NYC – I have a couple of dear friends there and my brother lives in the USA , so it's where we hook up. It's the most exciting, romantic, energetic city I have ever visited.

I went for the day once and it's printed in my mind in Technicolor. It was probably the jet lag.