I learn the lines that JK Rowling or whoever writes them, and say them.

There were no spells at my school, just a smack in the mouth.

Television has dried up for my generation, so its plays and films.

I just hate the idea of being well known. I know that is almost impossible if you're an actor who has done okay, but I've always fought against it.

Paul Schofield said something like, 'If I'm not acting in a play, I don't really exist.' Those weren't the exact words, but he meant it's only when I'm acting in a play that I've got something to say about the world. And then why should I talk, when people can come to see it?

Every part I play is just a variant of my own personality. No real character actor, of course, just me.

I've always tried to be an actor who... I just plod on and try to keep my mouth shut, mind my own business. I find the whole thing about people's lives... I can't understand it. I'm always astonished that people want to know anything about me.