I am an opera virgin; I'd far prefer to see a musical such as 'Guys and Dolls.

I haven't played Hedda Gabler yet, but maybe if I did I might find the funny bits.

I took my children to see 'Son of Rambow,' about two boys who make a home movie with a video camera. When you have children, culturally you become involved in their life.

I must confess that I'm not a great reader. At the moment I'm reading my son's 'Stig of the Dump' by Clive King and I've got a plant catalogue on the go.

I've just finished reading a book about the brilliant Margaret Rutherford. She wasn't a beauty, but inside she was absolutely blazing and passionate about her work. She's one of those life-affirming characters.

Martin Sheen is my pinup! And Allison Janney, oh my God. They're brilliant actors.

I like to sing along to Annie Lennox and pretend to be as sassy as her.