Being at the genesis of the creative process is definitely something I want to keep doing. It's just such a great buzz.

When I was a kid, I wanted to be serious, like Daniel Day-Lewis. No one really dreams of being a comic actor, do they? Now I realise how stupid that is - and it's because comic acting isn't taken seriously enough. It's a discipline. You know instantly - either you're funny and getting the laughs, or you're not.

I grew up in a house of forthright women.

I definitely enjoy an audience, when I'm performing. As I get older I'm kind of less comfortable at being demonstrative. I always fancied myself as a raconteur, but that never really worked out.

When I say I hate nostalgia, I hate things set in the recent past where everything is shiny and new.

I mean, I'm an uncle of seven or eight, and I don't mind it at all! Kids are great. Kids are the best six-hour experience you can have!

People in England talk about stupid Hollywood idiots, but the industry attracts some of the cleverest people in the world.