After you've read a novel, you only retain a vague memory of its contents. You remember the atmosphere, the odd image or phrase or vivid cameo.

The best way to prepare for a night out with a Shakespearean tragedy is to do a bit of reading up in the afternoon, eat a light supper - perhaps Welsh rarebit - and then arrive early to do some stretching exercises in the foyer before curtain-up.

Acting in a stage play is like working the evening shift in an office.

I read 'Crime and Punishment' years ago and don't recall the details of it, but I do retain a strong sense of the creeping paranoia and panic.

I like doing things I haven't learnt about yet. I've always been interested in art, and I love doing art.

Reading the play at home, however fulfilling, can never be the vivacious experience that Shakespeare intended.

About every four years, someone says to me, "I've got a friend who looks exactly like you." What can you say to this?