The more I do, the more frightened I get. But that is essential. Otherwise why would I go on doing it?

I don't really want to retire. I intend to go on working as long as I can because I still have a huge amount of energy.

I'd rather do a part because I want to, not because great things are expected of me.

I wanted to be a set designer when I was young.

I felt quite a responsibility when I played Elizabeth I but nobody here remembers her! And then I felt a responsibility when I played Queen Victoria but not many people remember her.

Filming is completely - was totally new to me ... I had a movie career which wasn't supposed to be, so I couldn't be more thrilled. For those who work, parts seem to get more interesting.

I started off as a theatre designer, and by some extraordinary circumstance I saw something in Stratford-upon-Avon, and realized that that's the kind of design I want, but also that that's the kind of designer I'll never be.