There's still a massive inequality between the genders. If you look at the trajectory of a male actor's career, there's no hesitation or hiatus. But women after the age of 35 to 40 are rarely placed in the centre of the story.

I wanted to be the conduit for somebody else's experiences, filtered through me, and passed on to other people. Which is the job description, really.

I'm hardly Hollywood material - they're interested in youth and perfection and I lay no claims to either. It's not a place that's particularly interested in talent.

I grew up all over the world. My father was in the army and was posted to a new place every two and a half years. I have no geographical roots.

I wouldn't even begin to presume that the talent of an able actor is anything like the talents of a prodigious musician.

I do understand that onstage there are times when you think, 'I could not be more alive than I am at this moment. I can't do most things in life. This is what I'm for.'

I have a wardrobe full of expensive clothes, but wear the same two T-shirts. I've never found a look.