Monty Python paid me £20,000 to write, direct and assemble them - the cheapskates! I told them I'd never earned less in a year since leaving Cambridge. The first show sold out in 43 seconds and we ended up performing ten in total. We had no idea there would be such demand.

Filming a pirate film is always good fun, with ships and indecent clothing.

I just believe in a huge universe of billions of miles.

I got locked into a tradition [at Cambridge] of doing comedy.

I get to be the first doctor in the family [because of the honorary degree they're giving me].

Life is a comedy when watching and a tragedy when experiencing. I try and share anything I have.

You get interviewed when you're out promoting something.