I like the enthusiasm but not the insincerity of Los Angeles.

Everyone the world over talks about British actors and British talent and I think thats because we were trained - until now - in theatre.

I've done a lot of costume drama and theatre - the National Theatre and In fact, most of my work at the theatre, at the National Theatre anyway, was period.

Anything where people have to work together makes me cry.

I hate that people think going to the theatre is a special occasion. I wish people would treat it as normally as going to the cinema.

People say to me that I cant be nervous because Ive had such a wealth of experience, but I tell them that I have never done this particular part before.

I think behind closed doors people behave differently no matter what period we're looking at, because people have to stand up straight in public but can slouch behind closed doors - can you imagine wearing those corsets?