Kate Dowman is a classical opera singer, originally from Douglas, but now lives in Battersea, in London, with her photographer husband Christopher.

After leaving the Isle of Man, she studied music at Leeds University, and then at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, in Australia, before embarking on a singing career that has taken her all over the world, and seen her perform in a variety of venues, from the Sydney Opera House, to television appearances to singing the national anthem at Twickenham rugby stadium.

Kate has recently released ’Whispering Tides’, recorded by top producer Chris Craker. The album is a collection of 14 Manx folk songs, sung entirely in Gaelic.

What is your idea of a perfect meal?

Anything Italian or Thai!

What is your favourite way to relax?

Music is my ultimate escape.

What is your greatest extravagance?

I buy a lot of dresses for singing. And shoes too! A girl can never have too many shoes, handbags and hats!

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs. Watson, a Jug, and Fin, an Irish Setter.

What is your greatest achievement?

It has to be releasing my first album of Manx Gaelic songs, ’Whispering Tides’, last month.

What is your favourite time of the year?

Definitely Christmas! Wild winds and stormy seas, and sitting in front of a fire, all warm and cosy

What is the first job you ever had?

I bred guinea pigs by accident when I was a child. I used to sell them to the pet shop in Onchan!

Do you have any irrational fears?

I get very bad vertigo. I’ve been know to get stuck up mountains, because I love a good view but then I look down and can’t get down again.

What is your worst habit?

I bite my nails.

What is your favourite book?

The Little Prince or The Alchemist.

What is your favourite TV programme?

Anything with David Attenborough or Audrey Hepburn. I also love Grey’s Anatomy.

What is your favourite band/artist at the moment?

There isn’t enough space to write them all down! But it would probably be Passenger. He’s like a little story teller.

What is your favourite part of the Isle of Man?

I love Peel Castle, or any of the glens.

What is the last show/band that you saw live?

I love to go to the opera, but the most recent thing I’ve seen was a brilliant little play in a tiny pub theatre in London, called ’Theatre 503’. It was called ’No Place for a Woman’.

If time/money were no object, what would be your perfect day?

I would have breakfast with my husband in St Moritz, lunch with my sister in Capri, walk my dogs with my Mum in Glen Maye, then dinner with all my friends and family on a beach in Thailand.

Choose three people, dead or alive, to invite to dinner?

Maria Callas, David Attenborough and Stephen Hawking. Can my Mum and my Dad come too please?

Which do you prefer:

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings?

Lord of the Rings

Cats or dogs?

Dogs.

Birthday or Christmas?

Christmas.

Starter or pudding?

Starter.

Quiet night in or night out?

Quiet night in.