Theatre is liberating because it only works if it's truthful, That's what it requires. That's not true of film: the camera does lie.

I'm half Scottish, half Welsh and I regard red hair as perfectly ordinary. And to set the record straight, contrary to reports, he has never referred to himself as the 'Ginger Ninja'.

Theatre is liberating because it only works if it's truthful, That's what it requires. That's not true of film: the camera does lie.

People who are exceptionally intelligent are often lonely because there are few people as intelligent as them. I have two little children and everyone says: 'I hope they're doing well in school. I hope they're bright.' And I think: why would anyone want their children to be the brightest? Academia is a lonely world.

Music really influenced me when I was growing up. I did go through a Jimi Hendrix phase. My hair was naturally quite afro, and I wore low-slung jeans with very high heels. Siouxsie and the Banshees had a lot to answer for. I was in a top hat with peacock feathers and thigh-high black boots. I was 17 -- old enough to know better.

I listen to Radio 4 all the time. I didn't go to university, so that's my further education.

I can sleep anywhere! I can come off stage during the interval of a play, lie down for four minutes then wake up feeling better.