I learned to play the piano on my mother's knee - that was before we got a piano.

In my youth, I wanted to be a great pantomimist -- but I found I had nothing to say.

I normally don't do requests. Unless, of course, I have been asked to do so.

That's why I've never thought of retiring because I do it all the time whether on the stage or off. I found that in a precarious situation, a smile is the shortest distance between people. When one needs to reach out for sympathy or a link with people, what better way is there?

(Referring to the piano's natural shape) Isn't it a shame when those big fat opera singers lean against the pianos and bend them?

Well, all's fair in love, war and fooling the critics.

And now, in honour of the 150th anniversary of Beethoven's death, I would like to play 'Clear the Saloon', er, 'Clair de Lune', by Debussy. I don't play Beethoven so well, but I play Debussy very badly, and Beethoven would have liked that.