I got out of this school and went to Camberwell College of Arts, a terribly prestigious thing to do. I was there to be a painter. And I sketched so well that, a year later, I was sent to Slade School of Fine Art, one of the great art schools.

I directed Bebe Neuwirth in 'Here Lies Jenny' at the Post Street Theatre. I was gobsmacked - the audiences were extremely knowledgeable, affectionate, interested, and not cynical.

When it was announced I had won the Tony Award, I was in Bangkok doing a movie with Judi Dench. I remember coming back from the location to the Oriental Hotel and hearing someone yelling across the reception area, 'You've won the Tony!' It was wonderful and strange to be halfway around the world.

So, suddenly I was an actor. I don't remember being nervous. I learned to be nervous later.

Everything happens every night for this audience, and it's a very special occasion to come to the theatre.

We did a black 'Julius Caesar' in which the predominant accent was Caribbean. This offends many people, you know. I also had a Chinese Marc Anthony. I also managed - this caused a great shock - I also got some white guys in it as well!

More people saw me in one episode of 'Cheers' than would ever see me in a play.

In the Victorian age, actors played Romeo until they were 60 or 70 years old.

Sometimes the most excruciating experiences in rehearsals and performances yield the most beautiful work.