This much I know: Liz Fitzgibbon

My mum says I told her I wanted to be an actor when I was four.

My parents never once questioned my decision although there was no history of acting in my family. Having said that, they are in the hospitality business themselves — they run Aherne’s sea food and accommodation in Youghal — so there is actually an element of show biz and entertainment in what they do. And, of course, Youghal itself has a great tradition of music and drama.

My first role was quite a challenge. It was a production about suicide prevention for Team, the educational theatre company, and was a massive learning curve. I was 21, performing to groups of 17- and 18-year-olds — but not only that, I had to stay in character for workshops after each performance.

I hate being idle. I had a lovely upbringing, but we had to work for our pocket money! Since I was ten, I’ve worked in my parents business.

I’m very social, hardly surprising, growing up in a pub you become that way.

I went to London and did a year of a degree in drama at Goldsmiths, but when I realised I wasn’t being trained specifically as an actor — it was more of a broad ranging course, encompassing set design and lighting and so on — I auditioned for The Gaiety School of Acting and did the two-year course there instead.

I’m really enjoying being part of Major Barbara — Annabelle Comyn is directing and it’s a real privilege to work with her and, not only that — Paul McGann plays my dad. I loved him in Withnail and I, but I think everyone did. All these Withnail fans come to meet him after the show and he couldn’t be more friendly to them.

I try not to compare myself to my peers, but that is one of the pitfalls of this business. It’s hard not to do so, especially when you don’t get a role and someone else does. You just have to say ‘I wasn’t right and they were’ and move on.

If I could change one thing in Ireland it would probably be the influence that the Catholic Church still has over society. I’m pro choice in every way and think we should move into the 21st century.

All actors tend to worry. The question of where your next job is coming from never leaves you. I’ve been very fortunate so far but you really have to love this to do it.

I find memorising lines easy. I’m lucky like that but I’ve had nervous times, to the extent that my hands shake so much backstage that I worry about being able to control them. But once I walk out it’s fine. It’s just the adrenaline — it pushes you on and keeps you alert and I think it is something you have to learn to deal with in your own way. Training is brilliant but there is no substitute for experience and every single show is different.

My favourite place is home in Youghal, where the Blackwater meets the Atlantic. I have two older brothers — one is nine years older, the other seven years older — but I insist that I was never spoilt.

I like to think I’m relaxed and easy going. But yes, actors can be high maintenance. I think it is because our emotions are closer to the surface than with most people — because we are forced to tap into them more for our work.

I don’t believe in God, or an after life. But I like to believe in karma — putting good out and getting good back. So I’ll go with do that.

Liz Fitzgibbon is appearing as Sarah in Major Barbara by Bernard Shaw at the Abbey Theatre until Sept 21. Tickets €13 — €45. Further details at www.abbeytheatre.ie