Shape I’m in: Multi-talented Kate Stanley Brennan hopes to juggle singing and acting career

IN the opening scene of Kate Stanley Brennan’s new music video, You Come Back, a large tear drop runs down her face. It’s a real tear.

“The director Martin Gaughan, wanted to utilise the fact I can act,” says Kate, aka Miss Kate.

“Music is something I’ve wanted to do all my life but the acting took over. So I took some time off and got the ball rolling. I now feel I can breathe.

“People ask me if I have given up acting and concentrating on the music but you can do both. I definitely want to continue doing both.”

With an impressive list of screen credits to her name — Dollhouse, Speed Dating, Raw and Fair City — it comes as no surprise to hear that Kate comes from an acting dynasty. Her father is Stephen Brennan (Tudors/Eat the Peach), mum is Martina Stanley (Fair City). Her aunts Barbara and Jane Brennan are also established actors.

Currently “free and single”, the 28-year-old says all of her friends are at the age where they are making big changes in their lives — breaking up from a long-term relationship or moving country. “It’s your last chance to change your destiny,” she says.

And it would seem destiny has a lot in store for this multi-talented performer. With high-profile managers in London and LA, her career is set to go global. “Your head is in three different places,” she says. “But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

* Kate Stanley Brennan stars in Witness, a play by Carmel Winters, August 12 to 17, at the West Cork Fit-Up Theatre Festival

What shape are you in?

I’m not into the gym but my lifestyle at the moment is probably keeping me quite fit as I am on the move a lot. I must have a good metabolism — I’m not great for doing exercise but I’ve always been slim.

Have you any health concerns?

Not really. I developed asthma when I was about 21 but it’s gone away now. I took the medication and I gave up smoking.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

Every morning I’d have fruit and yoghurt for breakfast and I am quite good about getting in my five a day. I also like my meat. I’d eat a lot of bread as well but I’d try to keep it to brown, if possible.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Chocolate — I’m addicted. I can’t go a day without having at least one bar. I love Lindt milk chocolate or anything with nuts in it.

What would keep you awake at night?

Sometimes I take on a bit too much — more than I should.

How do you relax?

I am a total TV addict. I also watch a lot of stuff on the internet while relaxing in bed with my laptop. My favourite TV show is Breaking Bad — it’s really dark.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

Jim Morrison, Andy Wharhol, Betty Davies, Jack Olohan and my friends Lisa Gallagher and Tara Connolly.

What is your favourite smell?

Fresh coffee in the morning — I’ve just got some from the Cork Coffee Roasters and it’s amazing, one of the nicest coffees I’ve had.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

My teeth. I had braces as a young adult and afterwards I didn’t wear the retainer properly, so my teeth moved again. I now have a big tombstone of a tooth in the front — I’d like to get that fixed.

When did you last cry?

At a one-woman play, called Til Death Do Us Part. My friend Amy De Bhrún was acting in it. I was bawling through the whole thing. I like to have a cry, I think it’s healthy.

What trait do you least like in other people?

I can’t bear jealous or judgemental people. I don’t understand it — I can’t really deal with it.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I went to an all-girls Catholic school and I get to feel really guilty about things. I don’t like it when I beat myself up too much.

Do you pray?

I do. My parents wouldn’t be hugely religious but my mother would be very spiritual. I don’t know who or what I am praying to but there’s definitely some kind of God.

What would cheer up your day?

My friends and my family — the most important people in my life. They always put a smile on my face.