We have to reinvest, I think, in the idea of articulacy as a form of personal human freedom and power.

It's not my fault that there is this gap between rich and poor, it is the fault of governments. I want a different world. One where I don't wake up thinking I'm so lucky to be able to feed my daughter.

I Don't Need the nicotene patch, Penny - I smoke cigarettes.

I think people say you shouldn't work with children or animals, but you must only work with children.

The fact is that young people are going to have sex whether you like it or not.

I think books are like people, in the sense that they'll turn up in your life when you most need them. I firmly believe there are books whose greatness actually enables you to live, to do something. And sometimes, human beings need story and narrative more than they need nourishment and food.

Lindsay Doran goes round the table and introduces everyone - making it clear that I am present in the capacity of writer rather than actress, therefore no one has to be too nice to me.