My London: Alison Steadman

Eating In Joe Allen's, Exeter Street, WC2, if I'm doing a show in town. But I go out a lot locally, to places such as Papa Dels in Archway Road.

Drinking Boring really. I go to the Groucho, but when I'm not working I just like to hang out in in Highgate pubs.

Dancing No, not really.

Exercising I walk a lot in Highgate Woods with my dog, but I can't stand gyms. I can't stand the smell and the sweat, and it's boring and tedious. Don't mind swimming, though.

Working The Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, WC2. But I've been filming in London, Leeds and Wales during the past few months.

Learning I go to art galleries, especially the National Gallery. And I love the new Tate Modern.

Dressing Whatever takes my eye. I'm not obsessed by labels. I love shopping and clothes, but I'm not a slave to spending £300 on a jumper.

Walking Highgate Woods and Queen's Wood, and Kenwood, Hampstead Heath. I'm lucky - there are lots of open spaces near where I live.

Rummaging I love junk and charity shops. There are antiques shops in Highgate where I rummage for trinkets.

Romance The Thames at night, especially with the London Eye now. And St Paul's and Tower Bridge, on a nice balmy night.

Escaping My house. If you're working hard you appreciate being at home playing Scrabble or something. I'm a big Scrabble fan. And I like pub quizzes.

Collecting Tin toys. I haven't a huge collection, but they're fantastic.

Inspiring Wandering around Soho in the early evening, bobbing in and out of places around Greek Street.

Dreaming I just live from one moment to the next. Acting is a constant challenge - it changes all the time.

Avoiding The West End after midnight. There are so many pissed people in gangs - I often wonder if they're actually having fun or despperate. I find them a bit aggressive in the early hours.

Alison Steadman stars in Entertaining Mr Sloane, Mon-Sat until Sat 7 Apr, Arts Theatre, Great Newport Street, WC2 (020-7836 3334).