For all the compasses in the world, there's only one direction, and time is its only measure.

If an idea's worth having once, it's worth having twice.

Most British playwrights of my generation, as well as younger folks, apparently feel somewhat obliged to Russian literature - and not only those writing for theatres. Russian literature is part of the basic background knowledge for any writer. So there is nothing exceptional in the interest I had towards Russian literature and theatre. Frankly, I couldn't image what a culture would be like without sympathy towards Russian literature and Russia, whether we'd be talking about drama or Djagilev.

...Everything has to be taken on trust; truth is only that what is taken to be true. It's the currency if living. There may be nothing behind it, but it doesn't make any difference so long as it is honoured. One acts on assumptions. What do you assume?

The fact is, I loved being English. I was very happy to be turned into an English schoolboy.

When I think of how things could have turned out, I feel as if I've dodged, not just bullets, but 6mm shells.

Fatherlessness didn't strike me as being an event. It was a state of life.