When I do a play, it's like agreeing to be ill for a couple of months.

If you ever see me in a social setting wearing any sort of sportswear, then you know I'm in crisis.

I never go on the net or the web, or whatever it's called.

I used to joke that one of the reasons there was a lack of classical work on my CV was because I couldn't operate in those kinds of trousers. Which is a joke, but it's actually also true - if I want to appear in public I want to look my best. If I'm onstage I like to do contemporary work, largely because of the trousers, because of the clothes. I like a decent, what we used to call a lounge suit. Then I can start to motor.

There are only three men in the world who are licensed to wear shorts: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Tom Cruise.

If you are supposed to be villainous and have some sort of agenda, I like the idea of delivering that kind of character in a perfectly well-mannered way.

I'm relaxed naked as long as there is no one else there. I speed up past mirrors.