I went to Queen's University Belfast and stayed nine months, then I ran away to be an actor.

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 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 don't practise any religion but I am deeply interested in the answers that mankind has come up with to explain the human situation.

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.

To live another person's life is quite a weird thing.