When the BBC decided to bring Doctor Who back as a feature film a few years ago, one national newspaper ran a poll to ask its readers who should be the new Doctor, and I topped it.

I'd like to direct more operas.

I've come to this conclusion: What makes a great actor is great need. A huge need of acting.

To enter a theatre for a performance is to be inducted into a magical space, to be ushered into the sacred arena of the imagination.

Very often my weekends are spent performing on Saturday, on stage in the afternoon and again in the evening.

Many actors have protested about mobile phones going off in theatres, but the real menace now is people texting during a show. It may only disturb a few people around them, but for me, as an actor, when I spot them answering their emails, I am outraged.

When children have grieving parents it's also common for them to feel an obligation to cheer them up and make them happy.