One of my great regrets, and I don't have many, is that I spent too long putting people's status and reputation ahead of their more important qualities. I learned far too late in life that a long list of letters after someone's name is no guarantee of compassion, kindness, humour, all the far more relevant stuff.

When it comes to casual clothing, my enthusiasm for clothes starts to waver.

I'm probably the only person who actually remembers pirate radio.

I find it hard to relax around any man who's got the second button on his shirt undone.

Somebody asked me recently, 'Have you done a lot of plays?' I thought hang on. I used to do nothing but plays. I've been very fortunate that on several occasions I've had jobs where I didn't want to be anywhere else in the world whatever you had to offer - however much money you've got.

I like American black soul music, that was my first big enthusiasm.

Emma Watson is adorable in the extreme. She is such a lovely person.