Theatre Quotations | Page 3

Scottish Theatre's greatest success story of recent times.

I think the writer's quite low down in the hierarchy really. But the fact that they took the piss out of Nicholas [Hynter] who, besides being the director, is also director of the National Theatre is, I'd have thought, slightly more risky.

Plays by Alan Ayckbourn have been attracting larger audiences in the regional theatres than those of Shakespeare.

What's this thing that gets between us and Shakespeare?

I like the theatre because you paint with broad strokes. To me the theatre is stretching its definition really far.

I got the O.B.E because I represent England outside of England more...but thinking of me as an actor, I haven't done all the classical theatre, all the great roles. Think of Helen Mirren and me. Helen, who I adore, is a friend - should be Dame. I am the rebel, the revolutionary on the side.

I'd like more kids to go and see theatre because it really is amazing.

I began playing Branson during the 1992 season and was a little amazed. There were about 30 celebrity theatres there and more are being added all the time.

Never not dare to hang yourself. That's the only way you grow in your profession. You must continually attempt things that you think are beyond you, or you get into a complete rut.

All movies in China are censored. Out of 600 movies produced in China, only 60 are allowed to show in theatres.