The house/flat I grew up in... was in Stillorgan, from the age of eight. I had loads of friends there, and the whole road used to come into our house and eat all our food, so we were always broke. Before that, we moved house seven times. I was born in Portadown, Co Armagh, and we also lived in the North, Cork and Greystones.

When I was a child I wanted to be... an airhostess from the age of three, then later on a journalist. My mother put me off as she was a classical musician and was at the mercy of reviewers – I think she thought every journalist was a meanie critic.

The moment that changed me forever... was the death of my father 21 years ago. I don't think I ever really got over it, I'm just used to it now.

My greatest inspiration... is Nigella Lawson. Sexy, smart, rich, and she's also a great cook.

If I could change one thing about myself... it would be my jelly belly. My four-month-old twins wrecked my fabulous figure – I was like Cindy Crawford before I had them. Anyway it's a small price to pay.

At night I dream of... lying in the sunshine on a beach, with no noise other than the lapping of the waves and the sound of the ice clinking inside my glass containing an excellently mixed mojito. It's never going to happen because I have four small kids.

What I see when I look in the mirror... is my jelly belly. At other times, I see my alter ego 'Carmel', the boho hairdresser from inner city Dublin.

My style icon... would be Madonna. I know she gets a lot of flack, but she's amazing at reinventing herself. She always looks fabulous and can pull off any style.

My favourite item of clothing... is a plain black French Connection mac – it doesn't owe me a penny.

I wish I'd never worn... bat wing jumpers, and they're back in fashion – hello? When I wore them last time around, I was hanging out with a bunch of girls from my road who taught me everything I know. Unfortunately we only see each other at weddings and funerals these days, but when we meet up, it's like we're 16 again.

You wouldn't know it but I'm good at... pool and whistling. What can I say – I had a misspent youth.

You may not know it but I'm no good at... sit-ups.
I don't know why I just can't get the hang of them.

All my money goes on... nappies and baby wipes at the moment. I'm aiming to get the babies trained by 10 months!

If I have time to myself... I eat. Between babies, rehearsals and performances, I rarely get a minute though.

I drive/ride... surprise, surprise, a people carrier. I never thought I'd have to get one, but there you go – I'm truly an adult.

My house/flat is... full of toys, buggies, high chairs and empty cans – my four children are all under three-and-a-half, and I'll be on the box this autumn in a new series called Raising Children for TV3.

My most valuable possession is... my husband Phelim. He's an amazing guy!

My favourite building... is Sagrada Familia in Barcelona (right). It's technically not a building, because it's actually a cathedral.

Movie heaven... is any movie really.
I never get to go the cinema much these days, but when I do it's bliss. The last film I saw was Kite Runner, and it was really great.

A book that changed me... is On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwen, which moved me to tears and was my last great read. There are many other brilliant ones that have had an effect on me for different reasons.

My favourite work of art... is a bull by John Behan, which hangs over our fireplace.

The last album I bought/downloaded... was Neon Bible by Arcade Fire. They're a brilliant band.

The person who really makes me laugh... is Jason Byrne, because when he's on form, he's the best. I also love Eddie Izzard and Steve Martin.

The shop I can't walk past... is Costume in Castle Market, and any shop that has a sale on, even a hardware shop. I love the jewellery shop in Hibernian Way, and any bag shop. Oh, and Maison de Gourmet for the French fancies.

The best invention ever... is the hair straightener. And the telephone is quite good too.

In 10 years time, I hope to... still have no grey hairs, lie in a bath for four hours, watch three – no, four – movies in row, and have written a hit sitcom.

My greatest regret... is not writing a novel before I had kids. Maybe I'll get time to do it when I'm 70.

My life in seven words... hectic, brilliant, frustrating, brilliant, fulfilling, demanding, brilliant.

A LIFE IN BRIEF

Actress, writer and
stand-up comedian Sue Collins is best known for her work in the all-female comedy trio The Nualas, which she co-created with Anne Gildea in 1995. Collins and Gildea will be appearing in the hit comedy 'The Odd Couple' at The Mill Theatre, Dundrum, from 12-23 August (bookings
01 296 9340). She lives in Dublin with her actor husband Phelim Drew and their four young children