There's a tradition in British intellectual life of mocking any non-political force that gets involved in politics, especially within the sphere of the arts and the theatre.

One is and is not in the centre of the maelstrom of it all.

I tend to think that cricket is the greatest thing that God ever created on earth - certainly greater than sex, although sex isn't too bad either.

I also found being called Sir rather silly.

I could be a bit of a pain in the arse. Since I've come out of my cancer, I must say I intend to be even more of a pain in the arse.

Don't forget the earth's about five thousand million years old, at least. Who can afford to live in the past?

If Milosevic is to be tried, he has to be tried by a proper court, an impartial, properly constituted court which has international respect.