The trouble with anyone when they're unhappy or in a relationship they recognize is not working but don't know what to do about is that they can't see farther out than that. If the relationship is not working, if what was there isn't there anymore, you have to do something about it.

When you play someone who is an iconic figure you can't go into it lightly.

I've learnt to listen. I don't think I always did listen.

I love the drive from York to Whitby over the moors - one of the great journeys, in my book.

I’ve learnt to listen. I don’t think I always did listen. Not just in plays, but in life. And you have to hear what people are saying before you can respond.

You don't go to a comedy and try to laugh. You laugh in spite of yourself. You don't just come on stage and cry. Something has pushed you to cry.

I've had very close relationships with some twentieth-century writers.