Sam Neill

I live in New Zealand, but I'm spending more time over here than usual because I have two daughters over here. One is at school, the other is starting a career as a singer.

What was the last play you saw?

I went to the Harold Macmillan play Never So Good at the National. Jeremy Irons was wonderful and my friend Ian McNeice was a splendid Winston Churchill.

What advice would you give to a tourist?

Walk, walk, walk! And look up. I was in Mayfair today and thinking about how architects used to take trouble in finishing off their buildings. Now they just saw them off.

What's your earliest memory of London?

Standing on my grandmother's balcony in Olympia when I was six years old, and virtually every car on the street was black. It has only just occurred to me that they may have all been taxis, but I was wondering why all cars in London were black.

Do you have a favourite view of London?

Yes, from the South Bank, looking north.

What do you miss most when you're out of London?

Friends. I have a bunch of close friends here, mostly actors. They're all reprobates and disgraceful.

What are your extravagances?

I thought owning a vineyard would be an economy but it turned out to be an extravagance. It's in New Zealand and it doesn't make money.

What's your life philosophy?

Be as kind as you can. I think that will do. I am always troubled when I see whole sections of bookshops dedicated to life philosophies.

Which aftershave do you wear?

I don't. Eau de Neill.

What are your current projects?

I've got about four or five things to be released. I'm looking for a gig. I've only just finished filming and I'm already anxious.

What's your favourite item in your wardrobe?

I have an old suit by Yohji Yamamoto that I'm rather attached to. You just can't kill it, it won't go down. It's so durable, and has timeless style.

What's your favourite late-night hangout in London?

I'm not a big bar or pub man, but Bar Italia in Soho is nice. I haven't had a late night in years.

Do you have a favourite shopping street in London?

I like Jermyn Street because I've got a bit of a fetish for shirts, and it's shirt central.

Dean Spanley is out on DVD on 27 April