I never mind doing press; it's never bothered me.

It can't be overstated how wonderful it is not to have to audition any more. Any actor will tell you, it's like Christmas.

Opening a play is just tough. The idea that actors are weirdly protected from it is a myth. If you imagine yourself having to spend two and a bit hours cooking bolognaise, remembering a whole major work by David Hare and speaking it at the correct moment between chopping carrots and stirring the onions in front of an audience - the normal human response is 'Please, can I go to the airport?'

I used to think that prizes were damaging and divisive, until I got one, and now they seem sort of meaningful and important.

All actors who have been around for a long time, which I have, and have been skint for long periods, which I have, find it difficult to turn down jobs. If I turn anything down my stomach turns over. I feel sick. It feels like gambling.

Never go anywhere you have to wear brown shoes.

I have no memory, any at all, of actually performing the play, no recall in terms of the lines. I can't tell you any line from any play I've ever done.