We always had chocolates and my mother was careful to make sure they were unwrapped in advance so the paper wouldn't rustle in the middle of a performance.

I don't think actors ever retire, they just stop being asked to work.

With a play, you do it and it's gone. Films always date. Television drama always dates. Television comedy, for some reason, seems to go on.

I think I'm a better actress for having friends and interests outside the theatre. I wouldn't want to live my life surrounded by other actors all the time.

I plant a lot of trees. I am a great believer in planting things for future generations. I loathe the now culture where you just live for today.

I'm a bit of a Scotophile. I have a house on the Black Isle, so I'm in Scotland quite a lot and think Edinburgh is just the most beautiful city.

Everyone wants instant everything, and they want instant success, but I always think you should treat things in the arts like a garden, and let them grow.