Oh, it was awful, and I vowed to myself I would never, ever push myself to the edge that much again. It was really frightening. Because absolutely everything seemed to be impossible to deal with, just little things became major - noise, if someone had a radio on, or even the sound of traffic, or being in someone's company for longer than 10 minutes - I started to find it all too much.

My shoes are size 2 and a 1/2, the same size as my feet

My dad always told me that perseverance furthers. He was right.

"Evita" obviously would always be very special to me because it was the first major musical that I did on stage and created in the U.K. with Hal Prince directing.

One was never taught how to begin at drama school. But all it required was one intake of breath.

Actors already striving in the theatre wouldn't dream of putting themselves on these shows; it means that only about 10% of the talent out there is being auditioned for parts.

I don't listen to so much music now. I did when I was younger. Music is so much part of my work. I like peace and quiet now when I go home.