Denise was born and raised in Scotland. At first she was torn between becoming a vet and becoming an actor, drama school won because wigs and big dresses were involved. On graduating she worked in and around Glasgow with her own “not very good theatre company”, then had a change of heart and went to London to study opera instead. She worked as an opera singer for around 10 years singing as company principal for all the major opera houses in the UK. Seven years ago she made another move into teaching drama and music and has focused on work with young people since then. In September 2006 she moved lock, stock and several hundred pairs of shoes over to Valletta, which is where she is now based. She works as a freelance actor, singer, teacher and director. Denise Mulholland plays the part of “woman” in Christopher Durang’s Laughing Wild also starring Alan Montanaro and directed by Polly March. Performances at St James Cavalier on 18, 19, 20, 26, 27 January and 1, 2, 3 February.

How old are you? Star sign and date of birth?

About to be four, much more relaxed than this time last year! 13 January – which makes me a Capricorn.

What would you like to be doing in 10 years’ time?

I have no idea at all – I do my best not to plan that far into the future as it holds me back. As long as I am still able to wear my stiletto heels I will be happy.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A sunny day, nothing to do, cheesy 1970s music on my car stereo and my ancient Mini Cooper starting first time!

What is your favourite occupation?

Shopping. No question.

Significant other?

I don’t have a partner at the moment but I do have lots of significant others: all my friends and family and, of course, my cat.

What is your greatest fear?

To lose the ability to be happy in my own

company.

What is it that you most value in your friends?

Intelligence and an open-mind. The ability to argue with me and tell me off when I am wrong but to always be there regardless.

How would you like to die?

I’d like to be sitting listening to some beautiful music, looking at a beautiful sunset with a glass of chilled white wine in my hand and just close my eyes and slip away.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I cannot tell a lie – it is shoes, shoes and more shoes.

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What is your greatest regret?

That I confused operatic-acting with “real” acting. I left the opera world because I couldn’t bear all the ham acting – now I realise that opera is meant to be like that. I could have had so much more fun if I had lightened up a little!

What is your most treasured possession?

A Tiffany starfish necklace given to me by the first of my students to take up theatre full time.

Which talent would you most like to have apart from the ones you already have?

I would love to be able to play the bagpipes.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

The feeling you have when you know you have hurt someone you care for – even if it wasn’t a deliberate act.

Where would you like to live?

In Merchants Street, this is lucky because I already do.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Tenacity.

Who are your heroes/heroines in real life?

People who make things happen for themselves and don’t sit around waiting for someone else to do it for them.

What is it that you most dislike?

People’s inability to empathise with others’ situations.