Person to Person: 'There’s nothing quite like one’s bed and books'

Tell us about yourself:

I’m Avena, and I grew up in Tipperary, but was born in Cork University Hospital.

Where do you live?

I’m based between London and Eastbourne, where I live with my boyfriend Stephen. I love Eastbourne because it has a bit of everything - a direct, quick link to London and the big city, a sunny town by the sea, lots of green walks with the Seven Sisters very close by… I spent 16 years living in London and miss the countryside of home and Tipperary a lot, so Eastbourne gives me a little bit of that, but being close to London is vital for my work! Although I would love to act more in Ireland too (hint, hint, Irish casting directors and directors).

Family?

My family is mostly based in Tipperary, two sisters, one brother, and their families, and my mum and dad. I’m one of seven children myself, and the youngest. The rest are a bit more scattered, but for me, home is where the heart is, even if I’m not living there permanently.

Best friend?

I’m very lucky not to have just one best friend, more so quite a few very, very good ones. All bright, intelligent people who have really supported me in this unpredictable life of being an actor. I love them!

Earliest childhood memory?

One of my earliest memories is being on the stage in Tipperary with our local amateur dramatic musical society in Oliver! I absolutely loved it. I was told by an examiner for the Leinster School of Music and Drama that I could make this acting lark my career, and did I know that? I didn’t. So I remember getting into the car clutching a glowing report card for my mum (I won an acting medal that day) and telling her I’d decided that acting was the thing for me! I was so relieved, aged nine, somehow that I had it figured out! She seemed enthusiastic, I remember - maybe she thought ‘would it stick?’ But, it definitely did, and 25 years later, I’m still completely stuck on acting.

Person you most admire?

I really admire my parents and I’m very grateful for the support they’ve given me in my life and my career. They are kind, funny, bright, and caring people who have worked extensively in their community and with so many different people, helping, being supportive - they love our family and have done so much for us all. My mum was at our wonderful show Murder Trial Tonight 4: Death Of A Landlord at Theatre Royal Drury Lane and was already advocating to our Company Manager for the people of Cork to have more performances there as both have sold out.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

One of my most memorable holidays was going to Lapland with my sister Esmè and my mum when we were quite young. It was a dream come true to meet Santy, ride in a husky- driven sled, and the snow! It was just wonderful and my mum was so good to bring us as a surprise.

Favourite TV programme?

It’s so hard to say! Stephen and I are currently watching Shōgun, and it’s brilliant.

Last book you read?

I’ve just finished reading The Gift by Edith Eger. Highly recommended.

Best book you read?

The best books I’ve ever read are the Harry Potter series by glorious writer JK Rowling, all of Henrik Ibsen’s plays, any of Roald Dahl’s short stories, and Dante’s Divine Comedy

Favourite song?

In terms of music, I love a wide range, I sing in a choir so love classical music but then also contemporary, rock and pop - I love Olivia Dean, RAYE, Taylor Swift, Westlife, Ludiovico Einaudi, The Cranberries, and any Irish music! I’m stuck on all the music I gathered as a youngster - from ABBA, The Beatles, Angus and Julia Stone, Blondie, Britney, Bon Jovi… it’s a varied mix!

Favourite play?

And my favourite piece of theatre has to be what I’m currently so pleased to be doing. Murder Trial Tonight is in its fourth season and honestly, it is a huge pleasure to perform in this show. If you want the incredible experience of an immersive show where you get to be the jury, experience a case taken from true events, listen, and vote on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, and then have the verdict revealed to you at the end, this is the show for you. I wish I could encourage you all to go and buy tickets, but it is sold out! Try Dublin! I’m playing Detective Inspector Lorraine Steel and I’m one of the officers in the case - the one leading the investigation into Victor Sloane’s untimely and horrific murder.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m the worst cook. But I have just managed to throw together a really nice chicken salad - throw roast chicken in a bowl with rice, leeks, celery, chives, and then add Greek yogurt, mayo and mustard and all the rest - and Bob’s your uncle! Lunch for three days!

Favourite restaurant?

I recently went to Journeys in Eastbourne with Stephen for Valentine’s Day - if you ever need a holiday by the sea, come along and experience beautiful fusion food with a wonderful wine list run by a gorgeous young couple.

Do you have a pet?

Growing up, animals included (but were not limited to, as I grew up on a farm) Twiddle my dog and Bubbles my cat!

Morning person or night owl?

I can be a night owl when the occasion calls for it, but there’s nothing quite like one’s bed and books is there?! I loved walking around London very, very early in the morning when I lived there and the streets being completely empty at 5am in the morning, it was heaven.

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment has been performing on stage with this wonderful ensemble in Murder Trial Tonight, at Theatre Royal Drury Lane. That is the oldest theatre in continuous use in the world, dating from 1663. It has housed all the very greatest actors and entertainers and to have stepped on that stage and performed a show we are all so proud of was an overwhelming experience. I remember the experience very clearly and felt so present as my character, and so relaxed as myself, so it was unforgettable. I was also so proud to be accepted to the two drama schools I’ve trained at - the London School of Dramatic Art and Drama Centre London where I trained for three years and was one of only five women accepted that year, from over 3,200 applicants.

What makes you happy?

Acting - in good shows, with good people - all working towards a common goal. Theatre matters, it’s vital for our society. Acting is a craft I can work on for my whole life and there is no end goal, I will never have achieved excellence, just the pursuit of such. To be in a show like Murder Trial Tonight makes me feel so content, to be with a wonderful ensemble and a brilliant and hard-working crew and team.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good person, a good actress, a good friend, a good girlfriend and family member - hopefully positively and hopefully remembered by those who love me.

• Murder Trial Tonight is at The Everyman on April 14 and 15, but it is sold out. It is at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on April 13. See murdertrialtonight.com