Trying to be Sherlock Holmes is like trying to catch an arrow in mid-flight.

The provocation with Holmes is the fact that he's described by Doyle as a man without a heart - all brain... and that's very difficult to play, or even indicate.

I'm not looking and I don't go hunting. I'm the type who's got to be found.

You must have a twinkle in your eye, a naughtiness - and the audience must realize your mind is working faster than your words.

I mean, money people are usually quite brisk, but mine aren't, and they keep on giving me spaces so that I've been able to go on and do plays and films.

Holmes has become the dark side of the moon for me. He is moody and solitary and underneath I am really sociable and gregarious. It has all got too dangerous.

The most important thing when you're working with greatness is to learn from it, not challenge it.